The prestigious Cannes Critics’ Week, a vital parallel section of the venerable Cannes Film Festival, has officially announced the premiere of four distinctive short films, all products of its pioneering Next Step Studio initiative. These films, meticulously crafted by a cohort of emerging Indonesian directors in collaboration with international peers, represent a significant milestone for both the program and the burgeoning Southeast Asian cinema landscape. Set to be showcased during the 65th edition of Critics’ Week, running from May 13 to May 21, these works underscore the program’s unwavering commitment to identifying, nurturing, and elevating fresh voices in global cinema.
The Next Step Studio Initiative: A Global Platform for Emerging Talent
The Next Step Studio is a transformative workshop program designed to bridge the gap between short-form and feature-length filmmaking for promising young directors worldwide. Its innovative model empowers participants to co-write and co-direct short films, fostering a spirit of cross-cultural collaboration and creative exchange. This year’s focus on Indonesia marks a pivotal moment, providing an unparalleled platform for four talented Indonesian filmmakers to present their visions on one of the world’s most revered cinematic stages. The initiative’s core philosophy revolves around the belief that supporting these emerging talents early in their careers is crucial for the future diversity and richness of global cinema.
A Decade of Nurturing Talent
The concept underpinning Next Step Studio is not entirely new; it gracefully extends the legacy established by "La Factory" at the Directors’ Fortnight, another prominent sidebar of the Cannes Film Festival, which began in 2013. For over a decade, this program has consistently championed the emergence of new cinematic voices from diverse corners of the globe. As Critics’ Week organizers articulated, "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 highlights a sustained, strategic effort by Cannes-affiliated programs to decentralize talent discovery and foster international co-production.
Each year, the program strategically selects a different country to spotlight, aiming to illuminate its local cinematic prowess. It brings together eight emerging directors – four local talents from the chosen nation and four international counterparts – to collectively conceptualize, co-write, and co-direct four 15-minute short films. This structured collaboration is designed not only to produce compelling cinematic works but also to facilitate invaluable networking, skill transfer, and mutual understanding among filmmakers from varied cultural and industrial backgrounds.
Over its initial ten editions, the program has cast its net wide, exploring film talent from an impressive array of countries and regions. This includes 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. The impact of this sustained effort is quantifiable and significant: more than 80 filmmakers have participated in the program, and nearly 50 first feature films have been successfully made by alumni, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in propelling short film creators into the feature film arena. This robust track record solidifies Next Step Studio’s reputation as a critical launchpad for cinematic careers.
Indonesia’s Moment: A Deep Dive into the Next Step Studio Cohort
The selection of Indonesia as this year’s focus country for the Next Step Studio is a testament to the vibrant and increasingly recognized dynamism of its film industry. Indonesian cinema has garnered significant international attention in recent years, with films exploring diverse genres and powerful narratives finding success at major festivals and with global audiences. This initiative further cements Indonesia’s position as a hotbed of emerging talent and creative storytelling.
This specific edition of the Next Step Studio is a collaborative powerhouse, boasting an extensive list of producers and co-producers. It is produced by Yulia Evina Bhara, Amerta Kusuma, and Dominique Welinski, the program’s creator and curator. The impressive roster of co-producers includes 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 spectrum of support, encompassing independent production houses, major studios, film festivals, and governmental bodies, underscores the national commitment to fostering cinematic talent and promoting cultural exchange. Crucially, the initiative also benefits from robust international partnerships, notably with the French Embassy in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, and the French Institute Indonesia, highlighting the diplomatic and cultural bridge-building inherent in such endeavors.
The films, while premiering at the 65th Critics’ Week in 2024, carry listed production years of 2025 or 2026, indicating either their projected official release dates, copyright years, or perhaps that their final post-production will extend into those years, despite their festival debut this May. This practice is not uncommon in the festival circuit, where early premieres often precede broader distribution.
The Four Films: A Glimpse into Indonesian Narratives and Global Collaboration
The four short films presented are diverse in their themes, showcasing the breadth of contemporary storytelling emerging from Indonesia and its collaborative partners. Each film is a testament to the unique vision of its directors and the power of cross-cultural dialogue in filmmaking.
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 fraught intersection of faith, exploitation, and mass hysteria. After Ratna miraculously rises from the dead during her own funeral, her inexplicably silent body begins to perform unexplained healings. This phenomenon thrusts her husband, Arif, into the unwilling epicenter of a burgeoning frenzy. As a diverse array of villagers, opportunistic individuals, and religious authorities converge, the lines between genuine faith and cynical exploitation blur, pushing the ‘miracle’ spiraling beyond anyone’s control. The narrative promises a compelling exploration of human credulity and the societal impact of the inexplicable.
- Cast: The film features a strong ensemble, including acclaimed actress Prilly Latuconsina, Yusuf Mahardika, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, and veteran actor Arswendy Bening Swara, whose presence lends significant weight to the dramatic tension.
- Key Crew: The cinematography is handled by Vera Lestafa, representing the Indonesian Cinematographers Society, ensuring a distinct visual language. The editing is entrusted to the highly regarded Carlo Francisco Manatad, a Filipino editor known for his sharp narrative rhythm and work on critically acclaimed films.
2. Original Wound
- Directors: Shelby Kho (Indonesia) and Sein Lyan Tun (Myanmar)
- Production: Indonesia, France – 2026 – 14 minutes – Language: Indonesian
- Synopsis: "Original Wound" offers a poignant and psychologically charged exploration of grief, memory, and inherited trauma. Following their mother’s death, a brother and sister find themselves confined within the very house that was shaped by her controlling presence. Here, they must navigate their conflicting memories of abuse and care, grappling with the complex legacy she left behind. As ritualistic practices, bodily sensations, and fragmented memories intertwine, their shared grief unveils a deeper, more pervasive entrapment that persists long after their mother’s physical absence. The film promises a nuanced look at the lasting scars of familial dynamics.
- Cast: The intimate drama stars Agnes Naomi, Omara Esteghlal, and Vivian Idris, tasked with conveying the intricate emotional landscape of the siblings.
- Key Crew: Vera Lestafa, also from the Indonesian Cinematographers Society, serves as DOP, indicating a consistent visual aesthetic across some of the productions. Carlo Francisco Manatad once again brings his editing expertise to this complex narrative.
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 her neighborhood bursts into a lively national day celebration, filled with an overwhelming cacophony of noise, Annisa discovers an unexpected and profound way to make her own voice heard. This journey allows her to reclaim her rightful place within the sonic tapestry that surrounds her. The film explores themes of sensory perception, resilience, and finding agency in an often-overstimulating environment.
- Cast: The film features Choirunnisa Fernanda in the titular role, alongside Nazira C. Noer and Shakeel Fauzi.
- Key Crew: Cinematography is provided by Faozan Rizal, also representing the Indonesian Cinematographers Society, known for his ability to capture evocative atmospheres. Carlo Francisco Manatad completes the editing team for this film as well, showcasing his versatility across different narrative styles.
4. Mothers Are Mothering
- Directors: Khozy Rizal (Indonesia) and Lam Li Shuen (Singapore)
- Production: Indonesia, France – 2025 – 17 minutes – Language: Indonesian
- Synopsis: "Mothers Are Mothering" presents a raw and introspective portrayal of Nia, a 50-year-old woman trapped in an abusive marriage. The film navigates her fragmented inner world, where desire, memory, and ritual coalesce. A reunion with a former lover reignites a flicker of intimacy, yet simultaneously exposes the enduring persistence of violence and the feeling of entrapment that pervades her life. As Nia’s reality begins to dissolve into hallucination, she desperately reaches for a final, elusive escape. This promises to be a powerful and psychologically intense examination of domestic abuse and the search for liberation.
- Cast: The film boasts a strong cast led by renowned Indonesian actress Happy Salma, known for her nuanced performances, alongside Asmara Abigail and Yudi Ahmad Tajudin.
- Key Crew: Deska Binarso, from the Indonesian Cinematographers Society, is the Director of Photography, suggesting a visually compelling approach to Nia’s inner turmoil. Carlo Francisco Manatad once again takes on the role of editor, a testament to his expertise in shaping complex narratives.
Beyond the Screen: Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The presentation of these four films at Cannes Critics’ Week extends far beyond their individual artistic merit. It represents a powerful statement on several fronts:
Strengthening Indonesian Cinema on the Global Stage: This initiative provides invaluable exposure for Indonesian filmmakers and their unique storytelling traditions. The participation of prominent Indonesian actors and crew members further elevates the country’s cinematic profile, potentially opening doors for future international collaborations and distribution opportunities. It also highlights the growing maturity and diverse thematic range of Indonesian film.
Fostering Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Collaboration: The very structure of Next Step Studio, pairing Indonesian directors with counterparts from Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore, exemplifies the power of cultural exchange. Such collaborations enrich the creative process, challenge preconceived notions, and result in films that resonate with a broader global audience by weaving together diverse perspectives.
A Model for Talent Development: The Next Step Studio, building on the legacy of La Factory, serves as an exemplary model for film talent development. Its focus on practical co-production, mentorship, and direct access to a premier festival platform is crucial for the career trajectory of emerging filmmakers. The statistic of nearly 50 feature films emerging from its alumni is a clear indicator of its success in transitioning short film talent to long-form narratives.
Diplomacy Through Culture: The active involvement of the French Embassy and Institute, alongside the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Jakarta Provincial Government, underscores the role of cinema as a potent tool for cultural diplomacy. These partnerships not only facilitate artistic exchange but also strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual understanding between nations.
Thematic Resonance: The selected films tackle universal themes – faith and exploitation, grief and trauma, sensory perception and agency, domestic abuse and liberation – all through a distinctly Indonesian lens, enriched by international collaborative perspectives. This thematic depth demonstrates the potential of these emerging filmmakers to engage with complex societal issues and human experiences.
As these four films take their bow at the 65th Cannes Critics’ Week, they are poised to not only captivate audiences and critics but also to signify a vibrant future for Indonesian cinema and a testament to the enduring power of international collaboration in the arts. The Next Step Studio continues its vital role as a crucial incubator for the next generation of global cinematic storytellers, ensuring that diverse voices find their way to the world stage.
