Armenia will become the honorary country of the “Next Step Studio” initiative under “La Semaine de la Critique” (Critics’ Week) at the 80th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in 2027, creating a major opportunity for the international promotion of Armenian cinema and the advancement of emerging filmmakers.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Cannes Film Festival, attended by Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Daniel Danielyan.
Under the initiative, four directors from Armenia will be paired with four from abroad, to collaborate and produce four short films in Armenia. The projects will be inspired by Armenia’s environment, culture, realities and human stories, with the completed films set to premiere in Cannes as part of Critics’ Week.
Speaking at the event, Danielyan described the announcement as deeply symbolic and historic for Armenia, particularly following the inclusion of five films by acclaimed Armenian filmmaker Artavazd Peleshyan in the Cannes Classics program.
Danielyan speaking after the announcement
“Armenia is represented at Cannes with dignity,” Danielyan said. “After the inclusion of five films by the great master of Armenian cinema Artavazd Peleshyan in Cannes Classics, this new announcement carries deeply symbolic and even historic significance for us.”
He went on to praise Critics’ Week for its longstanding role in discovering new cinematic voices and supporting emerging talents.
“For decades, this iconic structure of the Cannes Festival has discovered new voices, guided young creators and introduced bold and original human perspectives to the world,” he said. “Critics’ Week is not merely a platform for artistic discoveries; it has become a true international laboratory for cinematic vision.”
Danielyan described Armenia’s participation as more than a cultural collaboration, calling it the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s film industry.
He noted that Armenia had endured decades marked by wars, closed borders and isolation, but emphasized that creativity had remained central to the nation’s identity.
“Even in the most difficult times, our people never stopped creating,” he said. “We continued to write, sing, film and pass on values because culture for us has never been a luxury – it has been a means of staying strong.”
He also spoke of a new historic opportunity emerging in the region, referring to the restoration of peace over the past nine months, while acknowledging its fragility.
“At this important moment, we want to tell our stories to the world because we have something to say,” Danielyan said. “Stories of resilience and dignity, but also of love, light, hope and faith in the future.”
The Next Step Studio initiative is one of Critics’ Week’s ongoing international programs aimed at supporting a new generation of filmmakers through creative development, international mentorship and industry networking opportunities.
The project will include script development, collaboration with international experts, production preparation, filming in Armenia, post-production work and screenings in Cannes.
Following the premieres of the four short films, the Armenian directors participating in the program will also have the opportunity to present their future feature film projects to international co-producers, distributors, producers and film industry representatives.
Officials say the initiative carries long-term significance by creating pathways not only for international exposure of short films, but also for the development of future feature-length projects and global partnerships.
The project is expected to be implemented with the support of Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Guild of Armenian Film Directors and Producers and the Armenian Film Foundation.
The initiative is seen as an important step toward strengthening Armenia’s international film ties, promoting young talent and positioning the country as a modern and creative hub for international cinematic collaboration.
—