The Cannes short film competition, part of the Official Selection, will take place during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 13 to 24, 2025. Submissions for short films were open until March 3, 2025.
This year, the jury for the Cannes short film competition, as well as the jury for the La Cinef selection of student films, will be chaired by German director, writer, and producer Maren Ade, known for her works Toni Erdmann and Everyone Else.
Joining her on the jury are Reinaldo Marcus Green, director of King Richard; French singer-songwriter Camélia Jordana; Croatian writer-director Nebojša Slijepčević, recognized for The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent; and José María Prado, the former director of Filmoteca Española. Collectively, they will be responsible for awarding the Short Film Palme d’Or and the three La Cinef prizes.
The Movie Lineup
The Short Film Competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival presents a varied selection of international talent, featuring 11 short films chosen from a total of 4,781 entries. This year’s program includes a combination of fiction and animation, emphasizing new perspectives and creative narratives from across the globe.
Cannes Short Film Competition Lineup
Short Films LineUp
- Agapito, dirs. Arvin Belarmino, Kyla Danelle Romero
- Ali, dir. Adnan Al Rajeev
- Arguments in Favor of Love, dir. Gabriel Abrantes
- Dammen, dir. Grégoire Graesslin
- Fille de l’eau, dir. Sandra Desmazières
- Hypersensitive, dir. Martine Froissard
- I’m Glad You’re Dead Now, dir. Tawfeek Barhom
- Lili, dirs. Zhaoguang Luo, Shuhan Liao
- The Loneliness of Lizards, dir. Inês Nunes
- The Spectacle, dir. Bálint Kenyères
- Vultures, dir. Dian Weys
La Cinef Selection
- 12 Moments Before the Flag-Raising Ceremony, dir. Qu Zhizheng
- Bimo, dir. Oumnia Hanader
- Ether, dir. Vida Skerk
- First Summer, dir. Heo Gayoung
- Ginger Boy (Separated), dir. Miki Tanaka
- Maybe in March, dir. Mikkel Bjorn Kehlert
- Milk and Cookies, dir. Andrei Tache-Codreanu
- My Grandmother Is a Skydiver, dir. Polina Piddubna
- Talk Me, dir. Joecar Hanna
- The Bird From Within, dir. Laura Anahory
- The Land of Slumber, dir. Jules Vésigot-Wahl
- The Lightning Rod, dir. Helmi Donner
- The Sorceress Echo, dir. Marc Camardons
- Three, dir. Juan Ignacio Ceballos
- Winter in March, dir. Natalia Mirzoyan
- A Doll Made Up of Clay, dir. Kokob Gebrehawaria Tesfay
Notable Entries in the Competition
- “Agapito” by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero (Philippines): A poignant narrative exploring themes of family and resilience.
- “Arguments in Favor of Love” by Gabriel Abrantes (France, Portugal): A satirical take on romantic relationships, blending humor with philosophical undertones.
- “Lili” by Zhaoguang Luo and Shuhan Liao (China): An animated short delving into the complexities of identity and self-discovery.
- “The Loneliness of Lizards” by Inês Nunes (Portugal): A contemplative piece reflecting on solitude and human connection.
- “Vultures” by Dian Weys (South Africa): A gripping story that examines societal issues through a suspenseful narrative.
Potential Standout: “The Spectacle” by Bálint Kenyér
Among the selections, “The Spectacle” by Hungarian director Bálint Kenyér has garnered attention for its innovative approach and compelling storytelling. The film’s unique perspective and artistic execution position it as a strong contender for the Short Film Palme d’Or.
Emerging Trends
This year’s competition reflects a growing emphasis on cross-cultural narratives and experimental formats. Filmmakers are increasingly pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling, incorporating elements of satire, animation, and philosophical inquiry to engage audiences in new ways.
The 2025 Cannes Short Film Competition not only highlights the richness of global cinema but also underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and innovative storytelling.
