The Section for Discovering New Voices
‘Critics’ Week’ (or Semaine de la Critique, its French name at Cannes) is a parallel section that runs concurrently with some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, most notably the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. What makes it unique is that it is programmed and juried not by the main festival’s programming team, but by an independent union of film critics. Its specific and unwavering mission is to discover and champion the next generation of great filmmakers.
A Focus on First and Second Features
The most important rule of Critics’ Week is its strict focus on emerging talent. The selection is exclusively limited to a director’s first or second feature film. This mandate makes it one of the most vital and exciting platforms for debut filmmakers to launch their careers on an international stage. Because the selection is much smaller and more focused than the main festival—often only seven to ten films—each chosen film receives an intense amount of attention from the press and industry attendees.
A Legacy of Discovery
The prestige of Critics’ Week is built on its incredible track record. Over the decades, it has provided the first major international exposure for directors who would go on to become giants of world cinema. Filmmakers who had their breakthroughs at the Cannes Critics’ Week include:
- Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros)
- Ken Loach (Kes)
- Wong Kar-wai (As Tears Go By)
- Guillermo del Toro (Cronos)
- Julia Ducournau (Raw)
For a first-time director, being selected for Critics’ Week is a monumental achievement, often considered just as, if not more, prestigious than being included in the main festival’s official selection. It’s a powerful signal to the industry that a major new talent has arrived.