Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival

EFS Info & Alumni News

Founded in 1997, The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase provides an opportunity for young filmmakers to have their work seen by Cannes Festival and Film Market attendees. Prizes will be awarded to filmmakers and the top 25 to 30 films will be screened in a special “Emerging Filmmaker” showcase at The American Pavilion in Cannes for an invited audience of industry professionals. We also have a screening block of LGBTQ+ short films.

All finalists receive one Cannes Film Festival accreditation badge and one membership in The American Pavilion.

Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Alumni:
In 2009, USC student Ryan Coogler, screened his 6 minute student film, Locks in The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase. A few years later, he was back in Cannes with Fruitvale Station and then in 2018 back in Cannes with his blockbuster, Black Panther, screening in the Cinéma de la Plage on the beach. Fawzia Mirza (The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night, 2022; I Know Her, 2020; Spunkle, 2017), set to direct a feature film produced by Mindy Kaling. Fawzia also recently directed an episode of Deli Boys for Hulu and just released her first directorial feature film, The Queen of My Dreams released in theaters. 

Other notable alumni include Tessa Blake (Election, 2015) is currently directing many popular TV shows. Manjari Makijany (I See You, 2017; The Corner Table, 2014) went on to make Skater Girl (Netflix, 2021) and direct Spin (Disney Channel, 2021). Alex Camilleri (2010 Student Documentary winner, Still Here) went on to win the 2022 Independent Spirit Award – Someone to Watch Award for Luzzi and a 2022 Sundance official selection. Alexa Alemanni (SAG Award-winning actress). Tamika Lamison (Superman Doesn’t Steal, 2024) won the 2025 NAACP Image Short Film Award and Jumai Yusuf (Nate & John – 2024 EFS Gold House Cultural Impact Award winner) received a 2025 Image Award nomination.

About The American Pavilion Worldwide Student Program

Since 1989, The American Pavilion has offered film, business, hospitality, event management, journalism, and culinary students the opportunity to participate in The Worldwide Student Programs, an educational program that takes place at The Cannes International Film Festival.

Cannes Student Program Alumni:
Thousands of industry professionals are alumni of the The American Pavilion Worldwide Student Program, including: Jeff Nichols, (Writer & Director, The Bikeriders, Loving, Midnight Special, Take Shelter & Mud); Alex Ross Perry (Director, Pavements, Listen Up Phillip); Morgan J. Freeman (whose film Hurricane Streets became the first narrative film to win three awards at The Sundance Film Festival); Bryan Wynbradt (Producer, Quantum Leap, Alcatraz, CSI:NY); Gerard McMurray (Director, The First Purge; Producer, Fruitvale Station); Kathryn Floro (Senior VP, Television Business & Legal Affairs – MGM); Maha Dakhil (CAA agent – Denis Villeneuve, Ava Duvernay); Scott Shooman (Head of AMC Networks Film Group); David O’Leary (Producer, Law & Order); David Hinojosa (Producer, Babygirl, Past Lives).