The 2024 Cannes Film Festival Shorts Program showcased a remarkable array of up-and-coming directors, each bringing their unique storytelling flair to the international stage. New Machine took a look at the lineup to provide readers with a cheat sheet to better understand what they bring to the industry.
This year’s selection included Viv Li, whose film “Across the Waters” explored themes of identity and migration; André Hayato Saito with his thought-provoking short “Amarela”; and Daniel Soares, presenting the visually compelling “Bad for a Moment.” Also featured were Raphaël Jouzeau’s introspective “Les Belles Cicatrices,” Eglė Razumaitė’s innovative “OOTIDĖ,” and Alison McAlpine’s immersive “Perfectly a Strangeness.” Other notable entries included Blake Rice’s poignant “Tea,” Samir Karahoda’s socially charged “RRUGËS,” Azer Guliev’s engaging “Sanki Yoxsan,” Nebojša Slijepčević’s powerful “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent,” and Éric Briche’s visually rich “Volcelest.” These directors’ films promise a diverse and unique cinematic experience as their careers progress. We shall certainly keep an eye on them.
Viv Li – “ Across the Waters”
Viv Li is a Berlin-based Chinese filmmaker known for her insightful and witty storytelling, often exploring themes of identity, alienation, and migration. Her films are characterized by a blend of humor and self-awareness, focusing on the sensibility and tangibility of moments and the unspeakable nature of relationships. Critics have praised her for her ability to capture the nuances of personal and cultural displacement with a unique artistic vision. Her work has been supported by numerous prestigious organizations, including Sundance, Berlinale Talents, and the IDFA (Viv Li) (Viv Li) (Festival de Cannes).
Award and Nominations:
- Wins:
- Lights On Women’s Worth Award, L’Oréal Paris & Cannes Film Festival for “Across the Waters,” 2024
- Best Project, Kirch Foundation Awards, Filmfest Munich, 2023
- Best Project, European Short Pitch, 2022
- Best Documentary, Leuven International Short Film Festival, 2021
- Best Film, Diaspora International Short Film Festival, 2021
- Best International Short Film, Ibiza Independent Film Festival, 2022
- Onion Seed Award, MakeDox Creative Documentary Film Festival, 2021
- Jury Special Mention, Leiden Shorts, 2021
- Best Student Short Documentary, Porto Femme International Film Festival, 2020
- Nominations:
- Short Film Palme d’Or, 77th Cannes Film Festival, 2024
- Silver Eye Award Nominee, Institute of Documentary, 2020
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Across the Waters” (2024)
- “I Don’t Feel at Home Anywhere Anymore” (2020)
- “The Two Mountains Weighing Down My Chest” (In Production)
- “The Landscape Within” (2016)
- Other Projects:
- “A Hazy Romance” (Screenplay, In Development)
Nationality:
- Chinese
André Hayato Saito – “Amarela”
André Hayato Saito is a Japanese-Brazilian filmmaker known for his thought-provoking narratives and unique visual style. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage. Saito has received recognition for both his documentary and fiction films, with notable accolades including selections at prestigious film festivals such as Berlinale Talents, TIFF Filmmakers Lab, and the Biarritz Film Festival. Critics have praised his ability to blend intimate personal stories with broader social and cultural issues, creating films that resonate on multiple levels (André Hayato Saito) (Festival do Rio).
Awards and Nominations:
- Wins:
- Best Short Documentary, Roma Short Film Festival, 2022
- Jury Award for Best Short Film, Mama Film Festival, 2013
- Best Original Storyline, New York Film Festival, 2013
- Honorable Mention, Tokyo International Short Film Festival, 2022
- Nominations:
- Berlinale Talents, 2022
- TIFF Filmmakers Lab, 2021
- Shanghai Film Market, 2021
- Florianopolis Audiovisual Mercosul (FAM), 2021
- Hubert Bals Fund Shortlist, 2020
- Cinemart Shortlist, 2021
- FRAPA Screenplay Contest Semifinalist, 2021
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Yellow Chrysanthemum” (In Funding Stage)
- “Amarela” (2024, Short Fiction)
- “Vento Dourado” (2023, Short Docufiction)
- “In Silence” (2022, Short Fiction)
- “Kokoro to Kokoro” (2022, Short Documentary)
- “Amanacy” (2021, Branded Content)
- “The Hunt” (2019, Branded Content)
- “Luz” (2017, Short Fiction)
- “Tom Sadly” (2013, Short Fiction)
- “Hélio Leites” (2011, Short Documentary)
Nationality:
- Japanese-Brazilian
Daniel Soares – “Bad for a Moment”
Daniel Soares is a Portuguese director known for his impactful storytelling and visually compelling narratives. He has a background in directing both fiction and non-fiction films, as well as music videos and fashion films. His work often delves into social and cultural issues, with a particular focus on human experiences and emotions. Critics have praised his ability to blend artistic visuals with strong, emotionally resonant stories. His short film “Bad for a Moment” was highlighted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, showcasing his talent on an international stage.(Directors’ Library) (Festival de Cannes) (One Club).
Awards and Nominations:
- Wins:
- Special Distinction, Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 “Bad for a Moment”
- Young Guns 15 Award, The One Club for Creativity, 2017
- Nominations:
- Telluride Film Festival, 2021
- Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, 2021
- Hong Kong International Film Festival, 2021
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Bad for a Moment” (2024, Short)
- “What Remains” (2021)
- “Amanacy” (2019, Branded Content)
- “The Hunt” (2019, Branded Content)
- “Luz” (2017, Short Fiction)
- “Tom Sadly” (2013, Short Fiction)
- “Hélio Leites” (2011, Short Documentary)
Nationality:
- Portuguese, born in Germany
Raphaël Jouzeau – “ Les Belles Cicatrices”
Raphaël Jouzeau is a French director and screenwriter known for his thoughtful and introspective films. His work often explores deep emotional landscapes and human relationships, as seen in his recent film “Les Belles Cicatrices. Jouzeau’s style is characterized by its poetic and visually evocative storytelling, often drawing on literary influences. Critics have noted his ability to capture the subtle complexities of his characters’ inner lives, making his films resonate on a personal and universal level (Unifrance) (Unifrance). His short film “O Sad, Sad Was My Soul,” based on a poem by Paul Verlaine, was nominated for an international competition at FIFF Belgium in 2021, showcasing his talent in adapting literary works into compelling visual narrative.
Awards and Nominations:
- Nominations:
- International Competition, FIFF Belgium, 2021 for “O Sad, Sad Was My Soul”
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “Les Belles Cicatrices”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Les Belles Cicatrices” (2024)
- “Boys Boys Boys – Tristan” (2023)
- “Three Shadows” (2022)
- “O Sad, Sad Was My Soul” (2020)
- Screenwriter:
- “Les Belles Cicatrices” (2024)
- “O Sad, Sad Was My Soul” (2020)
Nationality:
- French
Eglė Razumaitė – “OOTIDĖ”
Eglė Razumaitė is a Lithuanian director and screenwriter, known for her innovative and interdisciplinary approach to filmmaking. Her works often blend elements of philosophy, visual art, and cinematic techniques, focusing on themes such as attachment and detachment, and the perception of women and transwomen in contemporary culture. Her short film “OOTIDĖ” highlights her emerging presence in the international film scene. Razumaitė’s style is characterized by a thoughtful integration of hybrid cinematic forms and a keen exploration of social and cultural issues. (Lithuanian Shorts) (eglerazumaite) (eglerazumaite) (Film New Europe).
Awards and Nominations:
- Wins:
- Best Young Cinematographer’s Work, Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers, 2022
- Nominations:
- Lithuanian National Film Awards “Sidabrinė Gervė,” Best Student Film, 2023
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “OOTIDĖ”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “OOTIDĖ” (2024)
- “Shifting” (2024, Short Fiction)
- “The Fall” (2023, Short Fiction)
- “Notes from the Underground” (2020, Short Experimental)
- “Down to Earth” (2018, Short Experimental)
- “Water Castle” (2017, Short Experimental)
- Screenwriter:
- “OOTIDĖ” (2024)
- “The Fall” (2023)
- “Notes from the Underground” (2020)
- “Down to Earth” (2018)
Nationality:
- Lithuanian
Alison McAlpine – “Perfectly a Strangeness”
Alison McAlpine is a Canadian filmmaker known for her immersive and sensorial approach to cinema, often blending documentary and fiction. Her work explores innovative narrative techniques, with a strong emphasis on character and landscape. McAlpine’s films have been praised for their visual majesty and contemplative nature. Her feature documentary “Cielo” has received significant acclaim, including being named one of the best documentaries of 2018 by Esquire and The Guardian. “Cielo” has been described as a cinematic reverie on the beauty of the night sky, exploring the spiritual and existential connections people have with the cosmos. McAlpine’s latest work, “Perfectly a Strangeness,” was featured in the Short Film Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 (Alison McAlpine) (Alison McAlpine) (POV Magazine) (Festival de Cannes).
Awards and Nominations:
- Wins:
- Guggenheim Fellowship, 2021
- Nominations:
- “Perfectly a Strangeness,” Cannes 2024
- Gala Québec Cinéma, Four Nominations for “Cielo,” 2019
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Perfectly a Strangeness” (2024)
- “Cielo” (2017)
- “Second Sight” (2008)
- Screenwriter:
- “Perfectly a Strangeness” (2024)
- “Cielo” (2017)
- “Second Sight” (2008)
Nationality:
- Canadian
For a headshot of Alison McAlpine, you can refer to her official website here (Alison McAlpine).
Blake Rice – “Tea”
Blake Rice is an American filmmaker recognized for his narrative-driven and character-focused storytelling. He began his career in front of the camera as an actor, comedian, and podcaster before transitioning to directing. His directorial debut, “To Whom It May Concern,” garnered critical acclaim and helped establish his career. Rice’s latest short film, “Tea,” showcases his talent on an international platform. “Tea” is a poignant story about a lonely electronic store employee whose attempt to ask out the girl of his dreams is interrupted by a hornet sting, adding layers of humor and humanity to the narrative. (Awardsdaily) (Internewscast Journal).
Awards:
- Wins:
- Best Director, New York Film Awards, 2018
- Nominations:
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “Tea”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Tea” (2024)
- “The Girl Who Ventured West” (2020)
- “To Whom It May Concern” (2016)
- Screenwriter:
- “Tea” (2024)
- “The Girl Who Ventured West” (2020)
- “To Whom It May Concern” (2016)
Nationality:
- American
Samir Karahoda – RRUGËS
Samir Karahoda is a Kosovar filmmaker known for his poignant storytelling and strong social commentary. His films often depict the struggles and resilience of people in post-war Kosovo. Karahoda began his career as a photographer before transitioning into filmmaking, where he has gained recognition for his unique visual style and ability to convey deep emotional and societal themes.
His short film “Pa Vend” (Displaced) highlights the challenges faced by two table tennis players trying to keep their sport alive in difficult circumstances, reflecting broader issues of displacement and social hardship. The film was well-received and was nominated for the Short Film Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021. Karahoda’s latest work, “RRUGËS,” continues to explore similar themes and was selected for the Short Film Competition at Cannes in 2024 (Festival de Cannes) (Ubiquarian) (Festival de Cannes).
Awards and Nominations:
- Wins:
- RheinMain Short Film Award, Wiesbaden GoEast, 2019
- Grand Prix, Vilnius International Film Festival, 2019
- Nominations:
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2021 for “Pa Vend”
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “RRUGËS”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “RRUGËS” (2024)
- “Pa Vend” (2021)
- “In Between” (2019)
- Cinematographer:
- “RRUGËS” (2024)
- “Pa Vend” (2021)
- “In Between” (2019)
Nationality:
- Kosovar
Azer Guliev – “Sanki Yoxsan”
Azer Guliev is an Azerbaijani filmmaker known for his compelling narratives and ability to intertwine personal and broader social issues within his work. His recent short film, “Sanki Yoxsan,” selected for the Short Film Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, exemplifies his storytelling prowess. The film tells the story of a couple, Samir and Leyla, who decide to flee their families’ discord, only for Samir to disappear the next morning. Leyla’s ensuing quest entangles her in the mystery of his disappearance, reflecting Guliev’s skill in creating engaging and emotionally resonant stories (Festival de Cannes) (INDIE ENTERTAINMENT (News) MEDIA).
Awards and Nominations:
- Nominations:
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “Sanki Yoxsan”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Sanki Yoxsan” (2024)
- “Heartbreath” (2021)
- “Pa-Pa” (2017)
- Screenwriter:
- “Sanki Yoxsan” (2024)
- “Heartbreath” (2021)
- “Pa-Pa” (2017)
Nationality:
- Azerbaijani
Nebojša Slijepčević – “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”
Nebojša Slijepčević is a Croatian filmmaker renowned for his documentary work that often tackles complex social and political issues. His films are known for their deep humanism and keen observational style. Slijepčević’s work has received critical acclaim for its ability to blend personal stories with broader societal themes, creating powerful and thought-provoking narratives. His film “Srbenka,” which deals with the aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars, won several awards and was nominated for the European Film Award for Best Documentary in 2018. His latest short film, “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent,” continues to build on his reputation, earning a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 (IMDb) (IMDb).
Awards and Nominations:
- Wins:
- Best Documentary Film, ZagrebDox, 2013 for “Gangster of Love”
- Grand Prix, Croatian Film Days, 2013 for “Gangster of Love”
- Doc Alliance Award, 2018 for “Srbenka”
- Nominations:
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”
- European Film Award for Best Documentary, 2018 for “Srbenka”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” (2024)
- “Srbenka” (2018)
- “Something About Life” (2016)
- “Gangster of Love” (2013)
- “Real Man’s Film” (2012)
- Screenwriter:
- “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” (2024)
- “Srbenka” (2018)
- “Something About Life” (2016)
- “Gangster of Love” (2013)
- “Real Man’s Film” (2012)
Nationality:
- Croatian
Éric Briche – “Volcelest”
Éric Briche is a French filmmaker with experience in animation, having contributed to acclaimed projects like “The Red Turtle” and “Approved for Adoption.” His recent short film, “Volcelest,” was selected for the Short Film Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Briche’s work often blends narrative storytelling with rich visual elements, drawing on his background in animation to create immersive and visually compelling films.
Awards and Nominations:
- Nominations:
- Short Film Competition, Cannes Film Festival, 2024 for “Volcelest”
Filmography:
- Director:
- “Volcelest” (2024)
- “The Red Turtle” (2016, Animation Department)
- “Approved for Adoption” (2012, Animation Department)
- Other Roles:
- Worked in the animation department on “The Red Turtle” and “Approved for Adoption”
Nationality:
- French