Ronny Sianturi
The Cannes Critics’ Week, a prestigious parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to discovering emerging cinematic talent, has proudly announced the four compelling short films produced through its groundbreaking Next Step Studio initiative. This year’s edition shines a spotlight on four gifted young directors hailing from Indonesia, offering them a pivotal platform to co-write and co-direct their visions. These significant works are set to premiere during the 65th edition of the Critics’ Week, running from May 13th to May 21st, solidifying the program’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of global filmmakers.
A Global Stage for Emerging Voices
The Next Step Studio, now in its first iteration with Indonesian talent, embodies the Critics’ Week’s enduring mission to support and elevate nascent voices in world cinema. The program is designed to be a crucial stepping stone, facilitating the transition of emerging directors from the short film format to the ambitious undertaking of feature-length filmmaking. This philosophy mirrors the successful "La Factory" initiative, which has been instrumental in fostering new talent at the Directors’ Fortnight since 2013.
"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," stated the Critics’ Week organizers. They further elaborated on the program’s unique structure: "Each year, it takes place in a different country and highlights local cinema, bringing together eight emerging directors – four local and four international – to co-write and co-direct four 15-minute short films." This collaborative approach ensures a rich cross-pollination of ideas and cultural perspectives, enriching the final cinematic output.
A Rich History of Discovery
The Next Step Studio boasts a distinguished history of identifying and championing cinematic talent from diverse regions. Over its previous ten editions, the program has explored and showcased emerging filmmakers from a wide array of countries and cultural landscapes. These include Taiwan, Chile, Finland, Denmark, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia, five Balkan countries, northern Portugal, the Philippines, and the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. This extensive geographical reach underscores the program’s global ambition and its success in discovering a broad spectrum of cinematic styles and narratives.
The impact of the Next Step Studio is demonstrably significant. To date, more than 80 filmmakers have participated in the program, and a remarkable nearly 50 first feature films have subsequently been produced by these alumni. This statistic powerfully illustrates the program’s efficacy in launching directorial careers and contributing substantially to the global film industry’s landscape. The initiative acts as a vital incubator, providing not just creative opportunities but also the crucial professional development and networking necessary for long-term success.
Indonesian Cinema Takes Center Stage
This year’s edition marks a significant milestone as it places the vibrant and rapidly evolving Indonesian film industry under the international spotlight. The production of the four short films has been a collaborative endeavor, spearheaded by producers Yulia Evina Bhara and Amerta Kusuma, alongside Dominique Welinski, the visionary creator and curator of the program. The co-production landscape is extensive, involving a robust network of Indonesian and international partners, including 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, this initiative is also supported by key international collaborations, specifically with the French Embassy in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, and the French Institute Indonesia, underscoring the strong cultural ties and shared commitment to cinematic exchange.
The Four Featured Short Films: A Glimpse into Diverse Narratives
The four short films selected for the 2024 Cannes Critics’ Week Next Step Studio offer a compelling and diverse exploration of contemporary themes, rooted in Indonesian culture and experiences, yet resonating with universal human emotions and challenges.
Holy Crowd
Directors: Reza Fahriyansyah (Indonesia) and Ananth Subramaniam (Malaysia)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2025
Runtime: 16 minutes
Language: Indonesian
Synopsis: Holy Crowd delves into the extraordinary and unsettling phenomenon of faith colliding with exploitation. The narrative centers on Ratna, who inexplicably rises from the dead during her own funeral. Her seemingly inanimate body then begins to perform unexplained healings, thrusting her husband, Arif, into the reluctant role of a focal point for burgeoning religious fervor. As villagers, opportunistic individuals, and religious authorities converge, the story masterfully explores the volatile intersection of genuine faith and calculated manipulation. The miracle quickly spirals out of control, creating a complex and potentially dangerous situation.
Cast: Prilly Latuconsina, Yusuf Mahardika, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Arswendy Bening Swara
Director of Photography: Vera Lestafa, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
The thematic resonance of Holy Crowd taps into a rich vein of storytelling found in many cultures, where miraculous events are often met with both profound belief and the potential for exploitation. The film’s premise suggests a nuanced examination of societal dynamics, power structures, and the human need for both spiritual solace and certainty, even in the face of the inexplicable. The co-direction by an Indonesian and a Malaysian filmmaker hints at a collaborative vision that might bridge cultural interpretations of such phenomena.
Original Wound
Directors: Shelby Kho (Indonesia) and Sein Lyan Tun (Myanmar)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2026
Runtime: 14 minutes
Language: Indonesian
Synopsis: Original Wound offers a deeply personal and poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the enduring impact of familial trauma. Following the death of their mother, a brother and sister find themselves confined to the family home, a space profoundly shaped by her controlling presence. As they navigate their shared grief, they grapple with conflicting memories of both abuse and care, unearthing the complexities of their upbringing. The film intertwines ritual, the physical body, and the elusive nature of memory, ultimately revealing a deeper, persistent entrapment that continues to define their lives long after their mother’s absence.
Cast: Agnes Naomi, Omara Esteghlal, Vivian Idris
Director of Photography: Vera Lestafa, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
The subject matter of Original Wound speaks to the universal experience of navigating complex family relationships and the lingering effects of childhood experiences. The title itself suggests a wound that is not only original but perhaps also foundational, shaping the characters’ present realities. The co-direction by an Indonesian and a filmmaker from Myanmar, a country that has faced significant political and social upheaval, might imbue the film with an added layer of psychological depth and resilience. The focus on ritual and body also hints at a visually and thematically rich cinematic approach.
Annisa
Directors: Reza Rahadian (Indonesia) and Sam Manacsa (Philippines)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2025
Runtime: 14 minutes
Language: Indonesian
Synopsis: Set within the bustling confines of a crowded housing complex, Annisa follows the journey of its titular character, a blind teenage girl. Annisa navigates a world primarily perceived through sound, where the cacophony of daily life can be both overwhelming and isolating. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a vibrant neighborhood national day celebration. Amidst the festive noise and activity, Annisa discovers an unexpected pathway to make her voice heard, artfully reclaiming her presence and asserting her place within the vibrant sonic tapestry that surrounds her.
Cast: Choirunnisa Fernanda, Nazira C. Noer, Shakeel Fauzi
Director of Photography: Faozan Rizal, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
Annisa promises a sensitive and empowering portrayal of a young protagonist finding her voice and agency in a world that may not always readily acknowledge her presence. The film’s focus on sound as a primary mode of perception offers a unique cinematic opportunity to explore sensory experiences and alternative ways of understanding the world. The collaboration between an Indonesian director and a Filipino filmmaker suggests a shared cultural understanding of community dynamics and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals within densely populated urban environments.
Mothers Are Mothering
Directors: Khozy Rizal (Indonesia) and Lam Li Shuen (Singapore)
Country: Indonesia, France
Year: 2025
Runtime: 17 minutes
Language: Indonesian
Synopsis: Mothers Are Mothering offers an introspective and emotionally charged look at Nia, a 50-year-old woman trapped in an abusive marriage. Nia navigates a fractured inner world where her desires, memories, and ingrained rituals intertwine. A significant reunion with a former lover reignites a sense of intimacy and connection, but simultaneously exposes the pervasive nature of the violence and entrapment she endures. As the boundaries between reality and hallucination begin to blur, Nia embarks on a desperate quest for a final, elusive escape.
Cast: Happy Salma, Asmara Abigail, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin
Director of Photography: Deska Binarso, Indonesian Cinematographers Society
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
This short film tackles the harrowing realities of domestic abuse and the psychological toll it takes on individuals, particularly women. The exploration of Nia’s inner world, marked by fragmented memories and the blurring of reality, suggests a powerful and potentially unsettling cinematic experience. The thematic intersection of desire, memory, and ritual adds layers of complexity to Nia’s struggle. The co-direction by Indonesian and Singaporean filmmakers highlights a regional dialogue on gendered violence and the search for liberation.
Broader Implications for Global Cinema
The selection of Indonesian directors for the Cannes Critics’ Week Next Step Studio is not merely a recognition of individual talent but also a significant affirmation of the growing influence and artistic maturity of Indonesian cinema on the international stage. In recent years, Indonesian films have garnered increasing attention at global festivals, showcasing a unique blend of cultural narratives, compelling storytelling, and innovative filmmaking techniques.
The success of the Next Step Studio initiative, as evidenced by the alumni’s subsequent achievements in feature filmmaking, offers a promising model for other national film industries seeking to nurture their emerging talent. The collaborative, international aspect of the program fosters cross-cultural understanding and strengthens global cinematic networks, which are crucial for the continued growth and diversity of film as an art form.
The strong partnership between Indonesian and French cultural institutions further underscores the vital role of international co-productions and collaborations in supporting emerging filmmakers. These partnerships provide not only financial and logistical support but also invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic development, enabling filmmakers to refine their craft and broaden their perspectives.
As the 65th edition of the Cannes Critics’ Week unfolds, the four short films from the Next Step Studio represent a beacon of new talent and a testament to the power of focused support for emerging directors. The program’s sustained commitment to discovering and empowering these voices ensures that the future of cinema will be shaped by a diverse and dynamic array of creative perspectives, with Indonesian cinema poised to play an increasingly prominent role. The films’ inclusion in such a prestigious festival serves as a powerful catalyst, not only for the directors themselves but also for the broader Indonesian film industry, signaling a new era of international recognition and opportunity.
