The Next Step Studio 2026, a cornerstone initiative of La Semaine de la Critique, is embarking on a new and exciting chapter, this time shining a spotlight on the vibrant and burgeoning cinematic landscape of Indonesia. This evolution represents a significant milestone for the program, which has consistently championed emerging filmmakers from around the world since its inception in 2013 as La Factory at the Directors’ Fortnight. The core mission remains unwavering: to provide a nurturing and collaborative environment for the next generation of storytellers to hone their craft and bring their unique visions to life.
A Decade of Cultivating Global Talent
For over a decade, the Next Step Studio has been a vital incubator, fostering cross-cultural exchange and creative development through its unique co-writing and co-directing model. Each year, the program brings together eight promising directors – a balanced cohort of four local talents and four international peers – to collaborate on the creation of four distinct short films. This intimate, hands-on process encourages a rich dialogue between diverse perspectives, pushing the boundaries of narrative and visual storytelling.
The initiative’s global reach is a testament to its enduring impact. Over its ten-year history, La Factory and its subsequent iterations have traversed continents, highlighting cinematic traditions and emerging talents from a diverse array of regions. These have included Taiwan, Chile, Finland, Denmark, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia, the Balkans, Portugal, the Philippines, and Brazil. This extensive geographical footprint underscores the program’s commitment to unearthing and supporting cinematic voices from every corner of the globe.
The statistics speak volumes about the program’s success as a launchpad for new careers. To date, more than 80 filmmakers have benefited from the Next Step Studio’s intensive mentorship and collaborative environment. Crucially, nearly 50 of these alumni have gone on to direct their first feature films, a significant achievement that validates the program’s effectiveness in propelling emerging directors onto the international stage. This track record positions Next Step Studio as an indispensable platform for those seeking to make their mark in the competitive world of filmmaking.
Indonesia Takes Center Stage: A Celebration of Local and Global Collaboration
The inaugural edition of the Next Step Studio under its 2026 designation is dedicated to Indonesia, a nation increasingly recognized for its dynamic and diverse film industry. Four compelling short films, each crafted by emerging Indonesian directors in collaboration with international partners, will premiere during the 65th edition of La Semaine de la Critique. This focus on Indonesia signifies a deliberate effort to amplify the voices and stories from a region with a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly evolving contemporary cinematic output.
The production of these four films is a testament to robust international and local partnerships. The initiative is spearheaded by producers Yulia Evina Bhara and Amerta Kusuma of KawanKawan Media, renowned for their work in supporting independent cinema. They are joined by Dominique Welinski, the visionary creator and curator of the Next Step Studio, whose dedication has been instrumental in the program’s growth and international acclaim.
The co-production network is extensive, reflecting a broad commitment to nurturing this new wave of Indonesian cinema. Key partners include VMS Studio, Visinema Pictures, Jakarta Film Week, and the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia. Furthermore, the collaboration with the French Embassy and Institut Français Indonesia highlights the strong cultural ties and shared artistic ambitions between France and Indonesia, reinforcing the program’s international scope. This multi-faceted support system ensures that these emerging filmmakers have access to the resources and expertise necessary to realize their artistic visions.
Bridging the Gap: Next Step Studio’s Expanding Role
The Next Step Studio’s focus on Indonesia is a natural extension of La Semaine de la Critique’s broader commitment to nurturing talent. The program effectively bridges the often-challenging gap between short filmmaking and feature film production. By providing a structured and supportive environment for directors to develop their skills in a condensed format, it equips them with the confidence and experience needed to tackle longer, more complex projects. This strategic approach to talent development is crucial for the sustainable growth of diverse national cinemas.
The initiative’s expansion into new territories like Indonesia reflects a global trend towards decentralizing cinematic power and recognizing the artistic merit of filmmakers from non-traditional filmmaking hubs. This not only enriches the global film landscape with new perspectives but also fosters a more inclusive and representative form of storytelling.
A Glimpse into the Inaugural Indonesian Short Films
The four short films selected for the Next Step Studio 2026 offer a tantalizing preview of the thematic and stylistic diversity present in Indonesia’s emerging filmmaking scene. Each project, born from a collaborative spirit, tackles complex human experiences with nuance and artistic flair.
"Holy Crowd"
Directed by the dynamic duo of Reza Fahriyansyah and Ananth Subramaniam, "Holy Crowd" presents a provocative premise that immediately captures the imagination. The narrative centers on a woman who miraculously rises from the dead during her own funeral. This extraordinary event unleashes a whirlwind of reactions within her community, ranging from fervent religious devotion to opportunistic exploitation. The film promises a compelling blend of supernatural intrigue and sharp social commentary, exploring themes of faith, human nature, and the often-unseen dynamics of communal life. The ensemble cast, featuring Prilly Latuconsina, Yusuf Mahardika, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, and Arswendy Bening Swara, brings this complex narrative to life with performances that are sure to resonate with audiences. The film’s exploration of how a miraculous event can expose both the best and worst of humanity positions it as a potentially thought-provoking piece.
"Original Wound"
Shelby Kho and Sein Lyan Tun’s "Original Wound" delves into the deeply personal territory of grief and memory. The film follows siblings grappling with the profound loss of their mother. As they navigate their shared sorrow, conflicting recollections of past experiences, particularly instances of abuse and care, begin to surface. This internal conflict leads to a narrative that probes the psychological entrapment that can arise from unresolved trauma and distorted memories. The performances by Agnes Naomi, Omara Esteghlal, and Vivian Idris are crucial in conveying the intricate emotional landscape of the characters. The film’s focus on the subjective nature of memory and its impact on familial relationships suggests a deeply introspective and potentially cathartic cinematic experience.
"Annisa"
"Annisa," a co-directed effort by Reza Rahadian and Sam Manacsa, shifts the focus to a blind teenage girl named Annisa, who resides in a densely populated housing complex. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a national day celebration, a time of heightened sensory experience and communal activity. Within this bustling environment, Annisa discovers her own unique ways of asserting her presence and navigating a world that is often dominated by sound. The film is led by Choirunnisa Fernanda, whose portrayal of Annisa is expected to be a central pillar of the narrative, supported by Nazira C. Noer and Shakeel Fauzi. "Annisa" offers a powerful exploration of perception, agency, and finding one’s voice in a crowded and often overwhelming world.
"Mothers Are Mothering"
The introspective and emotionally charged "Mothers Are Mothering," helmed by Khozy Rizal and Lam Li Shuen, centers on a woman trapped in an abusive marriage. The film navigates her internal world as she grapples with memories, unfulfilled desires, and even hallucinations. This journey through her psyche is portrayed by a talented cast including Happy Salma, Asmara Abigail, and Yudi Ahmad Tajudin. The work promises a profound examination of the enduring impact of trauma and the often-elusive nature of escape. The film’s sensitive approach to depicting the psychological toll of abuse and the struggle for liberation is likely to offer a poignant and deeply moving cinematic experience.
Implications and the Future of Global Cinema
The Next Step Studio 2026’s dedication to Indonesian cinema, coupled with its established history of fostering international talent, carries significant implications for the broader landscape of global filmmaking. By providing a platform for emerging directors from diverse cultural backgrounds, the program contributes to a more inclusive and representative cinematic output. The success of its alumni in directing feature films demonstrates its tangible impact on the industry, creating a pipeline of fresh talent that can challenge existing narratives and introduce new aesthetic sensibilities.
The collaborative nature of the Next Step Studio is particularly noteworthy. In an era where global interconnectedness is paramount, fostering cross-cultural exchange through filmmaking is essential. The co-writing and co-directing process encourages understanding, empathy, and a shared vision among filmmakers from different linguistic and cultural contexts. This not only enriches the films themselves but also builds lasting professional relationships and a global network of storytellers.
Furthermore, the program’s sustained support for short films as a vital stepping stone to feature filmmaking is crucial. Short films often serve as laboratories for experimentation, allowing filmmakers to explore new techniques, themes, and storytelling approaches with less financial risk. The Next Step Studio’s recognition of this importance ensures that this vital format continues to be a breeding ground for innovation.
The continued expansion of La Semaine de la Critique’s Next Step workshops, as exemplified by the 2026 studio, signals a forward-thinking approach to film education and talent development. By actively seeking out and nurturing filmmakers from regions like Indonesia, the initiative plays a vital role in democratizing access to the global film industry and ensuring that a wider array of stories and perspectives are brought to audiences worldwide. The success of this year’s program will undoubtedly pave the way for future editions, further solidifying the Next Step Studio’s position as a critical force in shaping the future of world cinema. The four films premiering at La Semaine de la Critique are not just individual works of art; they are powerful testaments to the program’s enduring legacy and its commitment to championing the bold, socially engaged storytelling of a new generation of filmmakers.
