Cannes Critics’ Week Unveils Next Step Studio’s Indonesian Short Films, Spotlight on Emerging Global Cinema

The Cannes Critics’ Week, a prestigious parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to showcasing emerging cinematic talent, has revealed the four captivating short films born from its innovative Next Step Studio initiative. This year’s edition shines a particularly bright light on Indonesia, with four gifted young directors from the archipelago co-writing and co-directing these compelling works. These shorts are set to premiere during the 65th edition of the Critics’ Week, a testament to the program’s commitment to fostering new voices in international cinema.

A Global Launchpad for Emerging Filmmakers

The Next Step Studio, now in its latest iteration, is designed as a vital incubator for young talent across the global film landscape. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between short filmmaking and feature film development, providing directors with the essential resources, mentorship, and collaborative experience needed to advance their careers. Organizers have emphasized the program’s lineage, 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 collaborative model is a cornerstone of the initiative. Each year, Next Step Studio shifts its focus to a different country, immersing eight emerging filmmakers—four local and four international—in a concentrated workshop environment. Over a period of intensive collaboration, these directors co-write and co-direct four distinct short films, typically around 15 minutes in length. This unique approach not only cultivates individual talent but also fosters cross-cultural understanding and cinematic dialogue.

A Rich History of Discovery

The impact of the Next Step Studio program over its extensive history is undeniable. In its previous ten editions, the initiative has explored cinematic landscapes from diverse regions, including Taiwan, Chile, Finland, Denmark, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia, five Balkan countries, northern Portugal, the Philippines, and the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. These past editions have collectively seen more than 80 filmmakers participate, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant milestones in their careers. A remarkable statistic is that nearly 50 first feature films have originated from directors who honed their craft within this program, underscoring its effectiveness as a catalyst for feature film debuts.

This year’s program, with Indonesia as its focal point, has been meticulously produced by Yulia Evina Bhara, Amerta Kusuma, and Dominique Welinski, the creator and curator of the program. The extensive co-production network highlights a robust commitment from both Indonesian and international entities. Key co-producers include 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. Crucially, the initiative is supported by the French Embassy in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, as well as the French Institute Indonesia, underscoring the strong cultural ties and shared vision for cinematic growth between France and Indonesia.

Spotlight on the Four Indonesian-Centric Shorts

The four short films selected for this year’s Cannes Critics’ Week represent a diverse range of themes and storytelling approaches, offering a glimpse into the vibrant contemporary Indonesian cinematic scene and its international collaborations. The festival runs from May 13th to May 21st, providing a crucial platform for these emerging works.

Holy Crowd

Directors: Reza Fahriyansyah (Indonesia) and Ananth Subramaniam (Malaysia)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2025
Length: 16 minutes
Language: Indonesian

Synopsis: "Holy Crowd" delves into a potent blend of faith, manipulation, and the uncanny. The narrative centers on Ratna, who inexplicably rises from the dead during her own funeral. Her seemingly inert body begins to perform unexplained healings, thrusting her husband, Arif, into the reluctant role of a focal point for growing religious fervor. As villagers, opportunists, and religious authorities converge, the film explores the volatile collision of genuine faith and calculated exploitation. The miracle, initially a source of hope, spirals beyond control, raising profound questions about belief and its commodification.

Cast: Prilly Latuconsina, Yusuf Mahardika, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Arswendy Bening Swara
Director of Photography: Vera Lestafa, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad

This collaboration between an Indonesian director and a Malaysian counterpart, with French co-production, exemplifies the international scope of Next Step Studio. The presence of established Indonesian actors like Prilly Latuconsina suggests a strong production value, while the synopsis hints at a narrative rich with cultural and social commentary, potentially exploring the complexities of religious belief in a modern context. The involvement of Carlo Francisco Manatad, a renowned editor known for his work on acclaimed films like "The Farewell" and "Whether the Weather is Fine," further elevates the anticipated quality of the film.

Original Wound

Directors: Shelby Kho (Indonesia) and Sein Lyan Tun (Myanmar)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2026
Length: 14 minutes
Language: Indonesian

Synopsis: "Original Wound" offers a poignant and intimate exploration of familial trauma and memory. Following the death of their mother, a brother and sister find themselves confined within the house that was once the epicenter of her controlling influence. They are forced to navigate a complex landscape of conflicting memories, grappling with recollections of both abuse and care. As ritual, the physicality of the body, and the elusiveness of memory intertwine, their collective grief exposes a deeper, enduring entrapment that persists long after the mother’s absence.

Cast: Agnes Naomi, Omara Esteghlal, Vivian Idris
Director of Photography: Vera Lestafa, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad

The pairing of an Indonesian director with a filmmaker from Myanmar, a country facing significant political and social upheaval, suggests a potential for deeply resonant storytelling. The synopsis points towards a psychological drama that tackles themes of intergenerational trauma and the lasting impact of abusive relationships. The choice of setting—a house imbued with the mother’s controlling presence—serves as a potent metaphor for the characters’ internal states. The return of DOP Vera Lestafa and editor Carlo Francisco Manatad reinforces the collaborative creative team behind these Indonesian shorts.

Annisa

Directors: Reza Rahadian (Indonesia) and Sam Manacsa (Philippines)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2025
Length: 14 minutes
Language: Indonesian

Synopsis: Set within the vibrant chaos of a densely populated housing complex, "Annisa" follows a blind teenage girl named Annisa as she navigates a world primarily perceived through sound. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a neighborhood national day celebration. Amidst the cacophony, Annisa discovers an unexpected means of expression, allowing her to assert her presence and reclaim her voice within the overwhelming auditory environment. The film promises a story of resilience, self-discovery, and finding one’s place.

Cast: Choirunnisa Fernanda, Nazira C. Noer, Shakeel Fauzi
Director of Photography: Faozan Rizal, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad

This collaboration between Indonesian and Filipino talent, with a French co-production, highlights the regional artistic exchange fostered by the Next Step Studio. The central character, Annisa, offers an opportunity to explore themes of sensory perception, overcoming challenges, and the power of individual voice. The description of a "crowded housing complex" and a "neighborhood national day celebration" suggests a film rich in atmosphere and community dynamics. The involvement of Faozan Rizal, a respected cinematographer, and Carlo Francisco Manatad as editor, continues to underscore the high caliber of the creative teams.

Mothers Are Mothering

Directors: Khozy Rizal (Indonesia) and Lam Li Shuen (Singapore)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2025
Length: 17 minutes
Language: Indonesian

Synopsis: "Mothers Are Mothering" delves into the complex inner life of Nia, a 50-year-old woman trapped in an abusive marriage. The film portrays her fragmented world, where desire, memory, and ritual become intertwined as she seeks solace and escape. A reunion with a former lover reawakens a sense of intimacy, but simultaneously exposes the persistent nature of violence and entrapment. As Nia’s grip on reality loosens, blurring into hallucination, she embarks on a quest for a final, elusive liberation.

Cast: Happy Salma, Asmara Abigail, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin
Director of Photography: Deska Binarso, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad

The co-direction of Khozy Rizal and Lam Li Shuen brings together Indonesian and Singaporean perspectives, further enriching the regional representation within the Next Step Studio program. The synopsis points to a film that tackles mature and sensitive themes, including domestic abuse, the psychological toll of violence, and the search for personal freedom. The exploration of a fragmented inner world and the descent into hallucination suggest a visually and emotionally ambitious film. The casting of renowned Indonesian actress Happy Salma in a lead role signifies the project’s artistic aspirations. The participation of DOP Deska Binarso and editor Carlo Francisco Manatad completes the consistent creative backbone of these shorts.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The selection of these four short films for the Cannes Critics’ Week is a significant achievement for the directors and a powerful endorsement of the Next Step Studio program. It provides these emerging filmmakers with unparalleled exposure to international industry professionals, critics, and audiences. This platform can be instrumental in attracting future investment, distribution deals, and opportunities for feature film development.

The success of the Next Step Studio initiative, as evidenced by the nearly 50 first feature films it has helped launch, demonstrates a viable model for nurturing cinematic talent globally. By focusing on collaborative creation and providing a structured pathway from short to feature films, the program addresses a critical need within the industry. The recurring presence of Indonesian talent and production houses this year signals a growing strength and international recognition of Indonesian cinema.

Furthermore, the program’s commitment to rotating its focus to different countries each year ensures a continuous infusion of diverse perspectives and narratives into the global film discourse. This approach not only supports local film industries but also enriches the international cinematic tapestry by bringing unique cultural stories to a wider audience. The strong partnership with the French Embassy and the French Institute Indonesia underscores the importance of international cultural diplomacy in fostering artistic exchange and promoting global understanding through cinema. As these four films make their debut at Cannes, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a new generation of filmmakers, poised to leave their mark on the future of cinema.