Cannes Directors' Fortnight Opens with Keoghan/Keough Drama

The 58th Cannes Directors' Fortnight will commence on May 13, 2026, with the screening of "Butterfly Jam," directed by Kantemir Balagov and starring Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough. This selection, chosen from 1,800 submissions, includes 19 feature films and nine short or medium-length works, running until May 23, 2026.

"Butterfly Jam" centers on a teenager from New Jersey's Circassian community whose aspirations for wrestling are disrupted by his father's failed schemes. This film represents exiled Russian director Balagov's directorial debut in English, following his 2019 success with "Beanpole."

This year's Directors' Fortnight lineup, curated by Artistic Director Julien Rejl, is noted for its high profile and star power. Alongside "Butterfly Jam," other featured films include Reed Van Dyk's "Atonement," starring Kenneth Branagh, and the Esiri brothers' "Clarissa," which stars Sophie Okonedo and David Oyelowo.

The selection also highlights established directors such as Alain Cavalier, whose film "Thanks for Coming (Merci d'être venu)" might be his final work at 94 years old, and Radu Jude with his adaptation of "The Diary of a Chambermaid."

Six debut films are part of this year's program, including "9 Temples To Heaven" by Thai director Sompot Chidgasornpongse. Directors' Fortnight will also honor Claire Denis with the Golden Carriage award at the opening ceremony.