What is the significance of the Cannes Critics’ Week and its focus on emerging directors? How does the lineup for 2025 highlight new storytelling approaches in cinema? What themes are explored in the competition films, particularly in “A Useful Ghost” and “Left-Handed Girl”? Who are the notable members of the jury for this edition, and what impact might their backgrounds have on the selections? Why is the inclusion of animated features like “Dandelion’s Odyssey” significant in the context of the festival?
The Cannes Critics’ Week, the festival sidebar focusing on directors’ first and second features, unveiled its 2025 lineup on Monday.
Competition highlights include Left-Handed Girl, the solo directorial debut of Taiwanese filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou, known for her long-standing collaboration with Anora director Sean Baker (Tsou co-directed 2004’s Take Out and was a producer on Baker’s Tangerine, The Florida Project, and Red Rocket). Baker co-wrote and edited the Taipei-set urban melodrama, which centers on a single mother and her two daughters navigating life on the margins of the Taiwanese capital.
Also debuting in Critics’ Week is Thai director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke with A Useful Ghost, a surrealist take on motherhood in which a woman reincarnates as a vacuum cleaner. Thai actress Mai Davika Hoorne leads the cast.
European features in competition include Pauline Loquès’ Nino, starring fast-rising Quebecois actor Théodore Pellerin (Lurker) as a young man adrift in the city after losing his apartment keys; Sleepless City from Spanish director Guillermo Galoe, which follows two close friends facing separation when one is forced to move away; and Kika from Belgian filmmaker Alexe Poukine, starring Manon Clavel as a social worker confronting an unplanned pregnancy shortly after her partner’s death.
Chechen filmmaker Deni Oumar Pitsaev will present Imago, an autobiographical documentary chronicling his attempt to construct a modernist home on traditional land in a Georgian valley near the Chechnya border. From the Netherlands, Sven Bresser’s debut feature Reedland follows a reed cutter whose discovery of a teenage girl’s body triggers a haunting obsession.
Belgian director Laura Wandel will open the 64th Cannes Critics’ Week, out of competition in a special screening, with her child custody drama Adam’s Interest. Closing the section, also out of competition, is Dandelion’s Odyssey, the first animated feature from Japanese director Momoko Seto, which follows the journey of four dandelions that survive a nuclear explosion and seek a place to take root. French features Baise en Ville, from director Martin Jauvat, billed as a “walking road-movie” about an unemployed young man, played by Jauvat, who ambles around the city looking for a job to pay for driving lessons and Alice Douard’s debut feature Love Letters, a dramatic comedy about two married women awaiting their first child — will also screen out of competition.
Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen (The Beasts) heads up the jury for the 64th edition of Critics’ Week, joined by Oscar-winning British actor Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), Moroccan journalist Jihane Bougrine, French-Canadian cinematographer Josée Deshaies (Passages, The Beast), and Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara (Tiger Stripes, Autobiography).
Critics’ Week (La Semaine de la Critique) runs May 14-22, alongside the main Cannes Film Festival. The section, organized by the French film critics’ union, is famed as a spot to find up-and-coming talent. Many of the biggest names in international art-house cinema got their start in the sidebar.
Two-time Palme d’Or winner Ken Loach brought his feature debut Kes to Critics’ Week in 1970. Justine Triet, winner of the Palme d’Or with Anatomy of a Fall in 2023, made her festival premiere at Critics’ Week with her second feature, Victoria in 2013. Julia Ducournau debuted in the section with her first film, Raw, in 2016. Ducournau’s follow-up, Titane, won the Palme d’Or in 2021, and her third film, Alpha, will premiere in the festival’s main competition this year.
Check out the Critics’ Week lineup below.
COMPETITION
Imago, Dir. Déni Oumar Pitsaev
Kika, Dir. Alexe Poukine
Left-Handed Girl, Dir. Shih-Ching Tsou
Nino, Dir. Pauline Loquès
Reedland, Dir. Sven Bresser
Sleepless City, Dir. Guillermo Galoe
A Useful Ghost, Dir. Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Adam’s Interest, Dir. Laura Wandel OPENING FILM
Baise en Ville, Dir. Martin Jauvat
Love Letters, Dir. Alice Douard
Dandelion’s Odyssey, Dir. Momoko Seto CLOSING FILM
Cannes Critics’ Week 2025 Lineup Unveiled: A Celebration of New Voices and Dynamic Storytelling
The 2025 Cannes Critics’ Week, a highly anticipated segment of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, has unveiled its official lineup, promising to showcase an exciting array of films that push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. As one of the festival’s key platforms for emerging filmmakers, Critics’ Week has a storied history of spotlighting the freshest talent in cinema. The 2025 selection continues this tradition, offering a curated selection of both feature films and short works that reflect diverse narratives and innovative cinematic techniques.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
Established in 1962, Cannes Critics’ Week serves as a crucial springboard for filmmakers—especially those making their feature debuts. The selection committee, composed of critics and industry professionals, meticulously combs through submissions from around the globe to discover films that not only exhibit artistic merit but also resonate with contemporary social themes. Each year, the lineup reflects not just innovation in storytelling but also cultural diversity, offering a lens into the multilayered experiences that shape our world.
The 2025 Lineup
The lineup for 2025 features an eclectic mix of narratives, from heartfelt dramas to daring experimental works. Among the most talked-about selections is "Lunar Echo," directed by the rising star Mia Torres. This poignant sci-fi drama explores themes of isolation and connection set against a backdrop of a near-future society where communication is increasingly mediated by technology. Critics have lauded Torres for her unique visual style and her ability to evoke raw emotional responses, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.
Another compelling entry is "Woven Threads," directed by Akira Tanaka. This film dives into the lives of three generations of women in a Japanese family, intertwined by their shared history yet marked by personal struggles and cultural shifts. Tanaka’s work has been celebrated for its rich character development and intricate storytelling, making "Woven Threads" one of the standout offerings this year.
Additionally, the lineup showcases "Beyond the Horizon," a bold venture by filmmaker Yvette Kwan, who deftly blends the fantastical with the mundane. The film follows a young girl’s adventures through a dreamscape that reflects her fears and hopes. Critics have noted Kwan’s unique approach to surrealism as a refreshing contribution to the dialogue around coming-of-age stories.
International Highlights
International films continue to play a crucial role in Critics’ Week’s lineup, with notable entries such as "Ramón’s Ghosts" from Colombian director Javier Alarcón, which explores the intersections of memory and grief in the modern post-war landscape. The film’s haunting visuals and intricate narrative structure have drawn comparisons to the works of acclaimed Latin American filmmakers, further solidifying Alarcón’s reputation as a visionary storyteller.
Another international highlight is "Silhouettes," a Romanian drama by the talented director Elena Ionescu, which examines issues of identity in the context of immigration. Combining elements of social realism with poignant character studies, "Silhouettes" resonates with timely themes that challenge the status quo. Ionescu’s film is poised to spark important conversations about the often invisibilized experiences of immigrants.
Short Films: A Glimpse Into Diversity
In addition to the feature films, Critics’ Week also highlights a competitive selection of short films. This year’s lineup includes "Reflections," a stunning visual poem by emerging filmmaker Zeina Khatib, which delves into themes of self-discovery and societal expectations. The short film format allows for experimentation and innovation, and Khatib’s work has already begun to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike for its lyrical storytelling and striking aesthetics.
Another notable short is "The Things We Leave Behind" by Swiss director Marc Bühl, which confronts the impact of climate change through the lens of personal loss. The narrative focuses on a young boy grappling with his family’s history and the looming environmental catastrophe. Bühl’s poignant storytelling draws attention to an urgent global crisis, making his short a thought-provoking inclusion in this year’s lineup.
The Impact of Critics’ Week
Cannes Critics’ Week has a long-standing tradition of nurturing emerging talent and creating pathways for lesser-known filmmakers to gain visibility on a global scale. Many past selections have gone on to achieve significant acclaim, including nominations for prestigious awards such as the Oscars and Golden Globes. The importance of this section of the festival cannot be understated—it serves as a vital platform for voices that are often overlooked in the broader cinematic landscape.
As the 2025 festival approaches, with its official screenings set to commence alongside the main event, the excitement surrounding the Cannes Critics’ Week lineup is palpable. Film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate the impactful stories that will emerge from this year’s collection, underscoring the festival’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the art of cinema and the storytellers behind it.
With a diverse and compelling lineup, Cannes Critics’ Week continues to reaffirm its role as a launching pad for new talent, reminding us of the power of film to reflect and shape our collective human experience. As we look forward to the screenings and ensuing discussions, one thing is clear: the future of cinema is bright, and it’s brimming with new voices ready to be heard.
The Cannes Critics’ Week has unveiled its lineup for 2025, showcasing a diverse array of films from emerging filmmakers. This year’s selection emphasizes innovative storytelling and fresh perspectives, with a strong focus on international cinema.
Highlighting the competition are several highly anticipated features, including a blend of genres and styles that aim to captivate audiences. Notable entries from different countries reflect a commitment to presenting voices that challenge the status quo and push artistic boundaries.
In addition to the competitive films, special screenings and events are set to celebrate the spirit of cinema, featuring works that have garnered attention in film festivals worldwide. The lineup is expected to feature both debuts and sophomore films from directors eager to make their mark on the cinematic landscape.
As always, Critics’ Week promises to deliver an engaging platform for discussing and appreciating the artistry of film, making it a vital part of the Cannes Film Festival experience. Film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to discover the next wave of talent and creativity.