Lubna Azabal to Head Jury at 77th Cannes Festival’s Short Film and La Cinef Competitions
Short Summary:
Belgian actress Lubna Azabal, joined by a notable jury, will lead the Short Film Palme d’Or and La Cinef awards at the 77th Festival de Cannes. Featuring 29 films from diverse countries, the competitions highlight global emerging filmmakers.
The 77th Festival de Cannes is set to celebrate short films and emerging filmmakers with an impressive jury headed by Belgian actress Lubna Azabal. The official selections for the Short Film competition and La Cinef, a segment dedicated to film schools, were announced today, showcasing a total of 29 films from a broad spectrum of countries.
Lubna Azabal, acclaimed for her versatile roles in cinema, will chair the jury for both the Short Film Palme d'Or and the three La Cinef prizes. Azabal expressed her honor and anticipation for the festival, emphasizing her desire to explore the creativity and unique narratives presented by young filmmakers at this prestigious event.
Joining her in the jury are several luminaries from the film industry:
- Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, a French director, screenwriter, and producer, known for her insightful films and as a founder of the Cercle Féminin du Cinéma Français.
- Paolo Moretti, an Italian film programmer who has held significant roles in several European film festivals and is currently the director of the cinema department at the École cantonale d’art de Lausanne.
- Claudine Nougaret, a French producer and director noted for her documentary film work and collaborative projects that have frequently featured in Cannes.
- Vladimir Perišić, a Serbian director and screenwriter, whose films have garnered critical acclaim and who also contributes to the programming of the Belgrade Auteur Film Festival.
This year's competition in the short films category is particularly competitive, with 11 films selected from 4,420 submissions. These films represent a variety of storytelling styles and originate from countries including Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, France, Kosovo, Lithuania, Portugal, and the United States.
The Short Film Palme d'Or will be awarded on Saturday, May 25, during the festival's closing ceremony, where these films will compete for the top honor.
The La Cinef segment, now in its 27th edition, has chosen 18 films from 2,263 entries submitted by film schools globally. This selection includes a mix of 14 live-action and 4 animated films, highlighting the geographic and creative diversity of the student filmmakers. This segment provides a platform for new talents from film schools such as the Beijing Film Academy, London Film School, NYU, and more, showcasing their work on an international stage.
The jury will present the La Cinef prizes in a ceremony at the Buñuel Theatre on Thursday, May 23, a key event that precedes the screening of the awarded films.
The Cannes Film Festival continues to be a critical milestone for filmmakers worldwide, offering a platform where emerging talents can showcase their works and potentially launch significant international careers. This year's selection emphasizes the festival's commitment to nurturing new talent and celebrating the rich diversity of global cinema.