Cannes Film Festival -- Critics' Week (Semaine de la Critique)

Overview

Critics' Week (Semaine de la Critique) is the oldest parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1962 by the French Syndicate of Film Critics (Syndicat Francais de la Critique de Cinema). Critics' Week is dedicated exclusively to first and second feature films, making it one of the world's most important discovery platforms for emerging directors.

The section selects approximately seven feature films and a handful of short films each year, making it one of the most selective programs in the world relative to the number of applications received. A Critics' Week selection is an extraordinary honor for a first- or second-time director, signaling recognition from critics who are specifically seeking the most exceptional debut talent globally.

Directors whose careers began with a Critics' Week selection include Abbas Kiarostami, Nanni Moretti, and many others who have subsequently become major figures in world cinema. The section has an extraordinary track record of identifying major talent before the rest of the film world takes notice.

Key Sections

• Feature Film Program -- seven first or second feature films in official competition
• Short Film Program -- selected short films shown before features
• Special Screenings -- additional films outside the competition
• Grand Prix de la Semaine de la Critique -- the main competitive prize

What Filmmakers Should Know

Critics' Week does not accept open submissions in the conventional sense. The programming team actively searches for the most exceptional first and second features from around the world through the global festival circuit, relationships with sales agents, and independent outreach. Filmmakers with debut or second features should ensure their work reaches the Critics' Week selection committee.

The combination of the Critics' Week selection and the Cannes context provides debut filmmakers with access to the full range of Cannes benefits: Marche du Film accreditation, international press coverage, and the prestige of the Cannes brand.

Major Awards

• Grand Prix de la Semaine de la Critique -- Best Film
• SACD Award -- for a French-language work
• Gan Foundation Award -- supporting the film's international distribution
• Short Film Award

Festival History

Critics' Week was founded in 1962 and has operated every year since, making it the oldest parallel section of any major international film festival. The section has maintained its exclusive focus on debut and second features throughout its history, creating a consistent identity as the world's premier discovery platform for emerging directors at Cannes.

See Also

For the main Cannes Film Festival, see Cannes Film Festival. For debut feature strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.