Cannes: New Studio for Indonesian Filmmakers

Cannes Critics’ Week, a renowned section of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to discovering and supporting new talent, has officially announced the launch of Next Step Studio Indonesia. This initiative marks a significant expansion of its existing talent development programs, set to commence in 2026. The program is a collaborative effort designed to nurture emerging filmmakers and foster international co-production, highlighting the growing influence of Indonesian cinema on the global stage.

A New Chapter for Talent Development

The Next Step Studio Indonesia venture is forged through a strategic partnership with two prominent production companies: Indonesia’s KawanKawan Media and DW, founded by Dominique Welinski. This collaboration effectively revives the spirit of “La Factory,” a highly successful filmmaker incubator that was a staple of Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight sidebar, operating annually since 2013.

Under this fresh banner, the program will facilitate the collaboration of four pairs of directors, who will jointly embark on the creation of a quartet of short films, each approximately 15 minutes in length. The lineup of talent is intentionally balanced, featuring an equal number of Indonesian filmmakers working alongside international helmers. Each duo will share both writing and directing responsibilities, fostering a unique cross-cultural creative exchange. Funding for these productions will be entirely sourced from Indonesian entities, underscoring local commitment to the project.

Nurturing Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Global Voices

The core philosophy behind Next Step Studio Indonesia is rooted in promoting international collaboration and amplifying diverse cinematic voices. Yulia Evina Bhara of KawanKawan Media, who is co-producing this inaugural edition, articulated the program’s objective: to leverage collaboration as a framework not only for launching narratives from Indonesia but also for introducing Southeast Asian talents to the international film arena. This strategic approach aims to build bridges between different filmmaking traditions and provide a platform for new perspectives. Bhara herself has a strong international presence, having served as a jury member for Critics’ Week at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Pathway to Feature Films and Industry Access

Upon completion, the four short films produced through Next Step Studio Indonesia will receive their world premiere at Critics’ Week during a dedicated “Next Step Presents” showcase. This premiere serves a dual purpose: it offers significant visibility for the burgeoning filmmakers and simultaneously functions as a vital marketplace opportunity. Directors participating in the program will have the chance to present their debut or sophomore feature film concepts to a curated audience of acquisition executives, sales agents, and potential co-production partners.

The program builds on a decade-long track record of global outreach, with previous “Factory” iterations having visited numerous countries across various continents. Historically, more than 80 directors have participated in such programs, with nearly 50 subsequently completing their first feature films. The shorts developed through these initiatives often go on to screen at other major international festivals, including Sundance, Toronto, and Clermont-Ferrand, frequently leading to acquisitions by television broadcasters and streaming services.

Strategic Partnerships and Support

The successful realization of Next Step Studio Indonesia is underpinned by robust partnerships and financial support. Alongside KawanKawan Media and DW, funding for the Jakarta-based productions is provided by municipal authorities and Indonesian cultural institutions. Further significant support comes from the French Embassy in Indonesia and the Institut français d’Indonésie. Dominique Welinski of DW, the original creative architect of the Factory concept, continues to play a pivotal role in the program’s design and execution.

Evolution of the Next Step Program

Next Step Studio represents an evolution of Critics’ Week’s existing talent development initiatives, which traditionally focus on guiding directors through the critical transition from short-form to feature-length filmmaking. While earlier workshops primarily catered to filmmakers already selected for the festival’s short film competition, this new model is more expansive. It welcomes outside projects and places a strong emphasis on fostering cross-cultural exchange. Thomas Rosso, the director of the Next Step program, emphasized this broadening scope, noting that the initiative aims to progressively open its program to new horizons and proposals, always in a spirit of exchange and experimentation. Furthermore, the program structure anticipates that several international participants may have prior Next Step experience, creating valuable mentorship opportunities within the cohort.

Conclusion

The unveiling of Cannes Critics’ Week’s Next Step Studio Indonesia signals a forward-thinking commitment to global cinematic talent. By combining a proven incubation model with dedicated industry access and a strong emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration, the program is poised to empower a new generation of filmmakers. This initiative promises to not only elevate Indonesian and Southeast Asian voices but also enrich the landscape of world cinema with fresh perspectives and compelling narratives.