The prestigious Cannes Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique), a vital parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to discovering and promoting emerging talent, has officially announced the selection of four short films produced through its innovative Next Step Studio initiative. This year’s spotlight shines brightly on Indonesia, with four young directors from the archipelago nation co-writing and co-directing these cinematic works. These films are slated for screening during the 65th edition of Critics’ Week, which runs from May 13 to May 21, marking a significant moment for Indonesian cinema and its rising voices.
The Evolution of a Platform: From La Factory to Next Step Studio
The Next Step Studio initiative represents a crucial evolution of Critics’ Week’s commitment to nurturing burgeoning filmmakers. Its lineage traces back to the celebrated "La Factory" program, initially launched by the Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Cinéastes) in 2013. The core concept remains consistent: to provide an invaluable platform for emerging directors from around the world to transition from short-form projects to feature films, offering mentorship, production support, and international exposure. Critics’ Week organizers articulated the program’s enduring mission, stating, “Continuing the concept initiated by La Factory at the Directors’ Fortnight since 2013, the program supports the emergence of new voices in cinema around the world.” This continuity underscores a decade-long dedication to cinematic discovery and development.
Each annual iteration of the Next Step Studio program, or its predecessor La Factory, strategically focuses on a different country or region, aiming to highlight local cinematic landscapes. The format is rigorously structured: it brings together eight emerging directors – four local talents from the host country and four international counterparts – who then collaborate to co-write and co-direct four distinct 15-minute short films. This collaborative model fosters cross-cultural artistic exchange and enriches the narrative perspectives of the resulting works.
Over the past decade, the program has cast its net wide, exploring film talent from diverse corners of the globe. Its first ten editions have championed filmmakers from Taiwan, Chile, Finland, Denmark, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia, a collective of five Balkan countries, northern Portugal, the Philippines, and the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. This extensive geographical reach demonstrates the initiative’s global vision and its success in identifying and supporting talent irrespective of their origin. Cumulatively, more than 80 filmmakers have participated in these workshops, and a remarkable nearly 50 first feature films have subsequently been made by alumni of the program, a testament to its efficacy in launching directorial careers. The transition from short film development to full-length features is a critical step for many filmmakers, and Next Step Studio provides a direct pathway, connecting them with industry professionals and potential producers at one of the world’s most influential film festivals.
Indonesia’s Moment: A Rising Force in Global Cinema
The selection of Indonesia as this year’s focus country for the Next Step Studio initiative is a powerful affirmation of the nation’s growing prominence in the international film community. Indonesian cinema has, in recent years, experienced a vibrant resurgence, marked by critical acclaim and commercial success both domestically and abroad. Films like Joko Anwar’s "Satan’s Slaves" franchise, Kamila Andini’s "Yuni," and Edwin’s "Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash" have garnered significant attention at major festivals, demonstrating a rich tapestry of storytelling, technical prowess, and a willingness to explore complex social and cultural themes.
The decision to feature Indonesian directors at Cannes Critics’ Week is not merely symbolic; it represents a strategic investment in the future of the country’s film industry. It provides unparalleled visibility for these emerging talents and offers them an invaluable opportunity to network with international producers, distributors, and fellow artists. An official from the Indonesian Ministry of Culture, speaking on the collaborative effort, might have remarked, “This partnership with Cannes Critics’ Week is a monumental achievement for Indonesian cinema. It underscores the global recognition of our filmmakers’ creativity and unique narratives, paving the way for more international collaborations and showcasing our cultural richness to the world.” Similarly, a representative from the French Embassy in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN could have emphasized the diplomatic and cultural bridge-building aspect, noting, “Cultural exchange through cinema is a powerful tool for mutual understanding. We are proud to support this initiative that strengthens ties between France and Indonesia, fostering artistic dialogue and promoting emerging talent.”
The extensive list of co-producers and partners for this year’s edition further highlights the significant collaborative effort behind the initiative. Produced by Yulia Evina Bhara, Amerta Kusuma, and Dominique Welinski (creator and curator of the program), it is co-produced by a diverse consortium including Indra Sashi Kalanacitra, VMS Studio, Visinema Pictures, Navvaros, Entertainment, Poplicist Publicist, Salaya Yachts, Arungi Films, Prodigihouse, Titrafilm, A La Plage Studio, Jakarta Film Week, The Jakarta Provincial Government, and the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia. This broad support base, in partnership with the French Embassy in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, and the French Institute Indonesia, underscores the multidisciplinary and multinational commitment to this program. Such a robust production framework provides the emerging directors with significant resources and professional guidance, allowing them to fully realize their artistic visions.
The Four Short Films: A Glimpse into Indonesian Narratives
The four selected short films offer a compelling cross-section of thematic concerns and narrative styles, reflecting the dynamism and diversity of contemporary Indonesian storytelling. Each film, co-directed by an Indonesian filmmaker and an international peer, is a French-Indonesian co-production, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the Next Step Studio.
1. Holy Crowd
- Directors: Reza Fahriyansyah (Indonesia) and Ananth Subramaniam (Malaysia)
- Production: Indonesia, France – 2025 – 16 minutes – Language: Indonesian
- Synopsis: This film delves into the volatile intersection of faith, exploitation, and societal frenzy. It centers on Ratna, who inexplicably rises from the dead during her own funeral. Her silent, post-resurrection body begins performing unexplained healings, thrusting her husband, Arif, into the reluctant epicenter of a burgeoning cult. As villagers, opportunists, and religious authorities converge, the delicate balance between genuine faith and cynical exploitation shatters, causing the miracle to spiral wildly beyond anyone’s control. The narrative appears to explore themes of belief systems, communal hysteria, and the commodification of the sacred.
- Cast: Prilly Latuconsina, Yusuf Mahardika, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Arswendy Bening Swara
- DOP: Vera Lestafa, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
- Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
2. Original Wound
- Directors: Shelby Kho (Indonesia) and Sein Lyan Tun (Myanmar)
- Production: Indonesia, France – 2026 – 14 minutes – Language: Indonesian
- Synopsis: A poignant exploration of grief, memory, and enduring psychological scars. Following their mother’s death, a brother and sister remain confined within the house that was once defined by her controlling presence. They grapple with conflicting memories—one of abuse, the other of care—as they navigate the physical space imbued with her absence. As ritual, body, and memory become inextricably intertwined, their shared grief reveals a deeper, more insidious entrapment that persists long after their mother is gone. The film promises a deep dive into psychological trauma and the lingering shadows of familial dysfunction.
- Cast: Agnes Naomi, Omara Esteghlal, Vivian Idris
- DOP: Vera Lestafa, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
- Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
3. Annisa
- Directors: Reza Rahadian (Indonesia) and Sam Manacsa (Philippines)
- Production: Indonesia, France – 2025 – 14 minutes – Language: Indonesian
- Synopsis: Set against the vibrant backdrop of a crowded housing complex, Annisa tells the story of a blind teenage girl who experiences her world primarily through sound. As a boisterous neighborhood national day celebration unfolds around her, filled with cacophony and communal energy, Annisa discovers an unexpected and profound way to make her voice heard. In doing so, she reclaims her place and identity amidst the overwhelming noise that constantly surrounds her. This narrative appears to be a sensitive portrayal of sensory perception, resilience, and the search for belonging.
- Cast: Choirunnisa Fernanda, Nazira C. Noer, Shakeel Fauzi
- DOP: Faozan Rizal, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
- Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
4. Mothers Are Mothering
- Directors: Khozy Rizal (Indonesia) and Lam Li Shuen (Singapore)
- Production: Indonesia, France – 2025 – 17 minutes – Language: Indonesian
- Synopsis: This film offers an intimate and unsettling look into the inner world of Nia, a 50-year-old woman trapped in an abusive marriage. Nia navigates a fragmented reality where desire, memory, and ritual coalesce and collide. A reunion with a former lover reignites a dormant intimacy but simultaneously exposes the relentless persistence of violence and her enduring entrapment. As her perception of reality begins to dissolve into hallucination, Nia desperately reaches for a final, elusive escape. The film promises a psychological drama exploring themes of domestic abuse, memory, and the struggle for liberation.
- Cast: Happy Salma, Asmara Abigail, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin
- DOP: Deska Binarso, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
- Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
It is notable that Carlo Francisco Manatad, a critically acclaimed editor from the Philippines known for his work on films like "Whether the Weather is Fine," edited three of these four short films. This highlights the network of talent fostered by such international programs, leveraging expertise across different Asian nations to elevate the quality of these productions. Vera Lestafa and Faozan Rizal, both members of the Indonesian Cinematographers Society, along with Deska Binarso, provide a strong Indonesian cinematographic presence, ensuring a distinct visual language rooted in the local context.
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
The screening of these four films at Cannes Critics’ Week holds profound implications for the individual filmmakers and the broader Indonesian film industry. For the directors—Reza Fahriyansyah, Shelby Kho, Reza Rahadian, and Khozy Rizal—this opportunity is a career-defining moment. It places their work directly before an influential audience of critics, programmers, producers, and distributors, opening doors to potential funding for future feature films and international collaborations. The Next Step Studio’s track record of nearly 50 first feature films by its alumni speaks volumes about its effectiveness in propelling careers.
Beyond individual success, this initiative elevates the profile of Indonesian cinema as a whole. It signals to the international community that Indonesia is a fertile ground for compelling storytelling and innovative filmmaking. This increased visibility can attract more foreign investment into the Indonesian film industry, foster greater cultural exchange, and encourage a new generation of Indonesian filmmakers to pursue their artistic ambitions with the knowledge that international platforms are within reach.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of the program, pairing Indonesian directors with talents from Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore, reinforces the growing strength and interconnectedness of Southeast Asian cinema. It highlights a regional creative synergy that can lead to more robust co-productions and a shared voice on the global stage. This inter-Asian collaboration, facilitated by a European festival, exemplifies the increasingly globalized nature of film production and distribution.
As the 65th edition of Critics’ Week unfolds from May 13 to May 21, these four short films will not only represent the culmination of dedicated artistic effort but also serve as a beacon for the future of Indonesian and Southeast Asian cinema, demonstrating its vibrancy, depth, and readiness to engage with global audiences on universal themes. The Next Step Studio initiative continues to prove its value as an essential incubator for the next generation of world cinema auteurs.
