The American pavilion Now accepts submissions for 2026 American Pavilion Emerging Movie Makes Showcasethat will be presented at Cannes Film Festival. Since founding in 1997, Showcase has provided a platform for future writers and directors to present their work to leading industry people, in line with the city’s iconic film Festival.
Notable alumni Include Ryan Coogler, whose six -minute “locks” were screened at the 2009 exhibition; Fawzia Mirza, whose “The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” was presented in 2022 and has since directed Hulus “Deli Boys” and will direct Amazon MGM’s upcoming “Hana Khan continues” produced by Mindy Kaling; And Jeff Nichols (“The Bikers,” “Loving”).
Other former participants include Tessa Blake (“Station 19”, “Matlock”), Manjari Makijany (“Skater Girl”, “Spin”), Alexa Alemanni (“Mad Men”) and Morgan J. Freeman, whose debut “Hurricane Streets” continued to win three top prizes on Sundance.
The 2026 edition marks the program’s 29th year. Eligible films must have been copyrighted 2024, 2025 or 2026 and may not be longer than 25 minutes. Non-English movies must contain subtitles or called. The program will select 25-30 short films and documentaries for screening.
Launched in 1997, 2026 Emerging filmmaker – Presented by Gold House – will be the 29th event in his story. Movies must have been copyrighted 2024, 2025 or 2026. Non-English language films must have subtitles or called. The 25-30 short films and the selected documentaries may not be longer than 25 minutes.
Submission period:
- Early Bird: October 1 2025 ($ 50)
- Regularly: 7 January 2026 ($ 75)
- Sen: January 31 2026 ($ 90)
- Extended: February 21 2026 ($ 98)
Applicants will be announced by April 14, 2026.
Assignment categories include:
- Gold House Culture Impact Award
- Best emerging filmmaker short film
- Emerging filmmaker short documentary
- Emerging Student Movie Maker Short Film
- Emerging Student Filmmaker Short Documentary
- LGBTQ+ Emerging & Student Showcase
Winners will be elected by a jury by industry people. All selected films will be shown in the competition during the exhibition. Filmmakers selected for the competition receive membership to American Pavilion and an official Kanes accreditation mark.
Learn more about the American Pavilion here.
