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Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival

May 12–23, 2026

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Since 1997 this prestigious competition has showcased the works of the next generation of filmmakers. 25 to 35 short films will be selected by our panel of industry judges and shown in the Roger Ebert Conference Center at The American Pavilion to invited guests attending The Festival. It's a festival within a festival at the most important event on the international film calendar.

Picture Yourself Here

  • Learn

    • Experience the world’s largest film festival and film market

    • Attend panel discussions at the American Pavilion

    • View Festival and Market screenings

  • Promote

    • Compete in The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker and Student Filmmaker competitions

    • Promote your film and filmmaking talent to Festival attendees

    • Display your postcards and promotional materials in The American Pavilion

  • Connect

    • Network with industry professionals

    • Meet like-minded filmmakers from all over the world

  • Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Reception
  • Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Reception
  • Monika and Yatao Li (CARRY ON) at EFS Reception
  • Emerging Filmmaker Showcase presentation with Jessica Chastain
  • Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Attendees
  • Elena Gaby, winner, Student Documentary
  • Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Q&A with Filmmakers
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Since its inception in 1989, The American Pavilion has served as the hub for Hollywood's presence in Cannes. It's the place to be if you want to be in the middle of the action. –Roger Ebert

Registration Process

All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway

The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase presented by Gold House at the Cannes Film Festival proudly accepts entries on FilmFreeway, the world’s #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests.

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Important Dates

Early Bird Entry deadline: October 1, 2025

Regular Entry deadline: January 7, 2026

Late Entry deadline: January 31, 2026

Extended Late Entry deadline: February 21, 2026

Finalists for screening at The American Pavilion during Cannes will be notified: April 14, 2026

Official Selection of films will be announced in the beginning of May.

Winners will be announced at the showcase:  May 12–23, 2026

Entry Guidelines:

Films accepted from current undergraduate or graduate school students and emerging filmmakers. Films should be 25 minutes or less in length. The film must be available via a digital link format. Films must be completed in 2024, 2025 or 2026. Attending Filmmakers MUST be 18-years-old.

Benefits:

Visibility at the Cannes Film Festival. Finalist films will be screened at a special invitation only screening in The Roger Ebert Conference Center during the Cannes Film Festival. Finalist films will be listed on promotional material at the Cannes Film Festival. Prizes will be awarded to winning filmmakers.

Questions?

Visit the FAQ pageSend us an email Call: (310) 837-4500