Cannes Critics’ Week Launches Next Step Studio Indonesia for 2026
Cannes Critics’ Week has announced the launch of Next Step Studio Indonesia, a new initiative aimed at expanding its talent development programs for 2026. This project, created in collaboration with production companies KawanKawan Media and DW, seeks to revitalize the essence of La Factory, a former filmmaker incubator that operated during Directors’ Fortnight from 2013.
Under the new banner, four pairs of directors will work together to create a collection of four short films, each with a runtime of 15 minutes. The selection emphasizes collaboration between local Indonesian talent and international filmmakers, with each duo sharing responsibilities for writing and directing. Financing for the project will be sourced entirely from Indonesian funds, and the completed films are set to premiere at Critics’ Week in a special showcase titled “Next Step Presents.”
The initiative not only serves as a platform for showcasing new films but also acts as a marketplace for emerging directors. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their debut or sophomore feature concepts to acquisition executives, sales agents, and potential co-production partners. This new model builds on a decade of outreach that has engaged filmmakers from various regions, including Taiwan, Chile, Finland, Denmark, South Africa, and Brazil.
More than 80 directors have benefitted from previous programs, with nearly 50 successfully completing their first feature films. “Our goal is to use collaboration to launch stories from Indonesia while introducing Southeast Asian talents to the international stage,” stated Yulia Evina Bhara of KawanKawan Media, who is co-producing this inaugural edition. She expressed enthusiasm for representing Indonesia and collaborating with DW and Cannes Critics’ Week.
Funding for the Jakarta-based production comes from local municipal authorities and cultural institutions, alongside support from the French Embassy in Indonesia and the Institut français d’Indonie. Bhara is partnering with Dominique Welinski of DW, who was instrumental in developing the original Factory concept and continues to guide the program’s creative direction.
“Next Step Studio marks a fresh beginning for the Factory program,” said Welinski. “Critics’ Week is a natural home for first and second features, and we are grateful to Ava Cahen, Thomas Rosso, Rémi Bigot, and the entire team for their support.”
Beyond film production, the initiative aims to foster a networking infrastructure for emerging filmmakers. By linking the Cannes premiere with structured industry access, the organizers hope to enhance visibility for participants and connect Indonesian production capabilities with international distribution channels. Following their debut at Cannes, the shorts will typically be showcased at major film festivals such as Sundance, Toronto, and Clermont-Ferrand.
Next Step Studio represents a significant evolution of Critics’ Week’s existing workshop programs, which have traditionally guided directors in transitioning from short films to feature-length projects. Unlike earlier sessions that focused only on filmmakers already selected for the festival’s short film competition, this new approach welcomes outside projects and emphasizes cross-cultural exchange.
Several international participants will bring previous experience from Next Step programs, creating valuable mentorship opportunities within the cohort. “After Next Step in 2014 and Next Step II in 2023, we are excited to continue our workshops with Next Step Studio,” said Thomas Rosso, director of Next Step. “This initiative embodies the same mission of discovering and supporting new talent in world cinema while expanding our program to include fresh perspectives and collaborative experimentation.”
The launch of Next Step Studio Indonesia not only enhances the offerings of Cannes Critics’ Week but also positions Indonesian filmmakers on a global platform, paving the way for future storytelling from Southeast Asia.
