Cannes Critics' Week Announces Armenian Filmmakers for Next Step Studio

The Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week has selected four Armenian directors to participate in its Next Step Studio program. The program, which aims to support emerging filmmakers, will focus on Armenia this year. The chosen directors are Armik Israyelyan, Raffi Movsisyan, Sona Khachatryan, and Naira Sargsyan. Each will be paired with an international filmmaker to collaborate on developing their projects. Next Step Studio is a workshop that provides mentorship and resources to help directors refine their scripts and production plans. The pairing with experienced filmmakers from other countries allows for cross-cultural exchange and professional growth. Critics’ Week, a parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival, is known for spotlighting new talent and innovative cinema. The announcement highlights the growing presence of Armenian cinema on the global stage. The selected directors have backgrounds in various genres, including documentary and fiction. The program will culminate in a presentation at the next Cannes festival, where the participants can connect with industry professionals. This initiative underscores Critics’ Week’s commitment to fostering diversity and fresh voices in filmmaking.