Cannes' New Talent Showcase: 7 Bold First Features Revealed

Cannes' Focus COPRO, a program dedicated to first feature films, has announced its curated selection of seven promising projects. This year's edition highlights filmmakers with bold and distinctive visions, many of whom have already made their mark at Cannes with short films.

The initiative champions emerging talent, with several selected filmmakers recognized in various Cannes sections this year. These debut features hail from diverse geographical locations, including Vietnam, Rwanda, Cyprus, China, and across Europe, reflecting the program's international scope.

Notable selections include "A Summer Tale" from Germany, directed by Berthold Wahjudi, a comedy exploring teen insecurities and migration themes. Sarra Ryma's "Algiers Haze" from France follows two young Algerians on a journey across the desert, capturing a sense of displacement.

Alexandra Matheou's "Shibboleth," a co-production between Cyprus and Greece, delves into the emotional complexities of surrogacy. Spain's "The Woodworm" by Laura Obradors examines a young woman's discovery of her father's unsettling obsessions.

Gaël Kamilindi's "The Zebra's Shadow," set in 1994, traces a protagonist's quest to reclaim a past shaped by colonial violence. Dean Wei's "The Apple Doesn't Fall..." from China and Germany offers a satirical look at a Chinese family. Finally, Thien An Nguyen's "The Snail Automation" from Vietnam and South Korea uses allegory to critique antiquated dogmas.