The American Pavilion is now accepting submissions for the 2026 American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, which will presented at the Cannes Film Festival. Since its founding in 1997, the showcase has provided a platform for up-and-coming writers and directors to present their work to leading industry professionals, in alignment with the city’s iconic film festival.
Notable alumni include Ryan Coogler, whose six-minute short “Locks” screened at the showcase in 2009; Fawzia Mirza, whose “The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” was featured in 2022 and has since directed Hulu’s “Deli Boys” and will direct Amazon MGM’s upcoming “Hana Khan Carries On” produced by Mindy Kaling; and Jeff Nichols (“The Bikeriders,” “Loving”).
Other past participants include Tessa Blake (“Station 19,” “Matlock”), Manjari Makijany (“Skater Girl,” “Spin”), Alexa Alemanni (“Mad Men”), and Morgan J. Freeman, whose debut “Hurricane Streets” went on to win three top prizes at Sundance.
The 2026 edition marks the 29th year of the program. Eligible films must have been copyrighted in 2024, 2025, or 2026, and may be no longer than 25 minutes. Non-English films must include subtitles or be dubbed. The program will select 25–30 short films and documentaries for screening.
Launched in 1997, the 2026 Emerging Filmmaker Showcase — presented by Gold House — will be the 29th event in its history. Films must have been copyrighted in 2024, 2025, or 2026. Non-English language films are required to have subtitles or be dubbed. The 25-30 short films and documentaries chosen may be no longer than 25 minutes.
Submission Deadlines:
- Early Bird: October 1, 2025 ($50)
- Regular: January 7, 2026 ($75)
- Late: January 31, 2026 ($90)
- Extended: February 21, 2026 ($98)
Applicants will be notified by April 14, 2026. Full submission guidelines and requirements can be found [here].
Award Categories Include:
- Gold House Cultural Impact Award
- Best Emerging Filmmaker Short Film
- Emerging Filmmaker Short Documentary
- Emerging Student Filmmaker Short Film
- Emerging Student Filmmaker Short Documentary
- LGBTQ+ Emerging & Student Showcase
Winners will be selected by a jury of industry professionals. All chosen films will be screened in competition during the showcase. Filmmakers selected for the competition receive membership to The American Pavilion and an official Cannes accreditation badge.
Learn more about The American Pavilion here.