The red carpet is about to roll out for the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, promising a star-studded extravaganza from May 15 to 25. During the festival, Cannes Critics Week, running from May 15 to 23, the spotlight shines on emerging talents. With 11 handpicked features out of over 1,050 submissions, it’s a showcase of fresh voices and bold storytelling. Among the contenders are seven films vying for top honors and nine aiming for the prestigious Camera d’Or.
Regional filmmakers are also making their presence felt at the prestigious film festival. Scroll down to take a closer look at the regional talent set to shine in Cannes next month.
‘ACROSS THE SEA’ BY SAÏD HAMICH BENLARBI
Saïd Hamich Benlarbi‘s Across The Sea takes us on a journey through the clandestine life of a Moroccan immigrant in Marseille, set against the backdrop of the 1990s.
‘EVERYBODY LOVES TOUDA’ BY NABIL AYOUCH
French-Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch presents Everybody Loves Touda, a raw and compelling tale of hope and perseverance. Co-written with his wife, Maryam Touzani, the film follows Shaeirat’s journey from a small village to the bustling streets of Casablanca, where dreams collide with harsh realities.
‘MOTEL DESTINO’ BY KARIM AINOUZ
Karim Ainouz returns to Cannes with Motel Destino, a provocative exploration of youth and elite oppression. Amid simmering tension, the film navigates the turbulent journey of a young man’s fight for survival, intertwined with a woman’s courageous stand against patriarchal forces.
‘NORAH’ BY TAWFIK ALZAIDI
Step into the world of Saudi director Tawfik Alzaidi‘s debut feature, Norah, making waves in the Un Certain Regard section. Set in 1990s Saudi Arabia, it follows the transformative journey of two souls whose encounter sparks a profound awakening. Shot entirely in the breathtaking AlUla region, Norah marks a milestone in Saudi cinema, blending groundbreaking narrative with stunning visuals.
‘THE APPRENTICE’ BY ALI ABBASI
Delve into the formative years of Donald Trump in The Apprentice, helmed by Iranian-Dutch director Ali Abbasi. With a stellar cast including Sebastian Stan and Maria Bakalova, the film unravels the complex dynamics between Trump and his mentor, offering a captivating glimpse into the origins of a polarizing figure.
‘THE BRINK OF DREAMS’ BY NADA RIYADH AND AYMAN EL AMIR
Egyptian cinema makes waves with The Brink of Dreams at Cannes Critics’ Week. Directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, the documentary follows a group of young Coptic women challenging societal norms through their all-female theater troupe, embracing their journey toward womanhood with courage and passion.
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