THE AMERICAN PAVILLON ANNOUNCES 2026 EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE AT CANNES

THE AMERICAN PAVILION PRESENTED BY INDIEWIRE ANNOUNCES 2026 EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE AT CANNES SPONSORED BY GOLD HOUSE

Los Angeles, CA (April 29, 2026) — The American Pavilion presented by IndieWire proudly announces its 2026 Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival, with Gold House returning for a third consecutive year as presenting sponsor. As part of the program, Gold House General Partner Christine Yi and the Gold House team will present the Gold House Cultural Impact Award during the Showcase Awards Ceremony on May 20, 2026. Recognized as the epicenter of American hospitality on the Croisette, The American Pavilion has offered an unparalleled experience in Cannes to film students and emerging filmmakers worldwide since 1989, and continues its mission of championing the next generation of global storytellers.

 

Now in its 29th edition, this year's Emerging Filmmaker Showcase features 20 official selections presented across three categories: Student Short Films & Student Documentaries, Emerging Filmmaker Short Films & Emerging Filmmaker Documentaries, and the Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ Showcase. In a milestone for the program, screenings will take place for the first time in a screening room inside the Palais des Festivals, bringing the Showcase to the heart of the festival. Screenings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 (Student Film Showcase) and Wednesday, May 20 (LGBTQ+ and Emerging Showcases). A live Q&A with filmmakers in attendance will follow all screenings.

 

This year's Student Showcase features films from some of the country's most prestigious film programs, including AFI Conservatory, Chapman University, Columbia University New York, Loyola Marymount University, and the University of Southern California.

 

The showcase also celebrates the enduring impact of the American Pavilion's alumni programs. The short drama Fuel Up, directed by Anne Koolen, is the work of a 2025 AmPav Student Program participant. In the Eye of the Beholder, directed by Megan Whitham, tells the story of Taylor Leigh Aguilar, a blind Loyola Marymount University student and 2023 AmPav Student Program alumna. And Poisoned Skies, directed by Caroline Friend — a 2020 Emerging Filmmaker Showcase alumna and that year's Student Showcase winner for Under Darkness — returns to the program with a new historical drama short.

 

"I’m proud of this year’s showcase for shedding light on the emerging filmmaker’s creative storytelling and diverse voices in their narrative shorts, documentaries, and animated films,” said Monika Skerbelis, Director of the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.

In continued partnership with Gold House, this year's showcase highlights films and filmmakers whose work reflects the rich diversity of global perspectives, cultures, and identities, underscoring a shared commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and fostering meaningful cultural impact, including:

 

Saverio, directed by Ellen Ancui

Zari, directed by Shruti Parekh

Her Wedding, directed by Qinting Wang

East Did Meet West, directed by Aiko Lozar

Katti (unfriend), directed by Kanishka Aggarwal

A Matter of Time, co-directed by Ana Milena Rojas Alarcon and Brian Patrick Hoffman

Queerbait, directed by Nate Gualtieri

At What Cost?, directed by Ant Roberson

 

"We're so excited to be a part of the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase again this year. We're continually on the lookout for the next leading voices, and to meet these talented filmmakers at the most prestigious festival on the circuit is extra special,” said Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer Christine Yi.

 

This year's selection also reflects a strong commitment to female-driven storytelling, with 13 films directed or co-directed by women — representing more than half of the program. Titles include the investigative short documentary Big Bass, directed by Drew Dickler; the short Lawyered Up, directed by Tatiana Blackington James; and the documentary Monster Slayer, directed by Catie Skipp, among many others.

 

The 2026 program spans a bold and socially resonant range of themes, including ALS, blindness, immigration (DACA and ICE), elder abuse, sexual assault, teen foster placement, queer and trans identity, drag culture, aging gay seniors, interracial marriage, arranged marriage, a female race car driver, sibling rivalry, JFK history, the history of smog and air pollution, and an apocalyptic future shaped by AI — reflecting the full breadth and ambition of today's emerging filmmakers.

 

Showcase winners will be selected by a jury of agents, managers, producers, and industry members, alongside a team from Gold House. Six jury awards will be presented across the following categories: Best Emerging Showcase Film, Best Student Showcase Film, Best Emerging Documentary, Best Student Documentary, Best LGBTQ+ Showcase Film, and the Gold House Cultural Impact Award. Prize packages are sponsored by Gold House, Final Draft, Write Brothers Movie Magic Screenwriter, the International Documentary Association, RightsTrade (Cinelytic Group, Callaia), Screening Services Group, Simple DCP, and ESE Film Workshops Online.

 

For more information about The American Pavilion presented by IndieWire and its programs, please visit www.ampav.com.

 

ABOUT GOLD HOUSE

Gold House is the leading cultural ecosystem that unites, invests in, and champions

Asian Pacific creators and companies to power tomorrow for all. Under a nonprofit

umbrella, our innovative family of companies, programs, and platforms include

membership systems and events to fortify relationships among the Asian Pacific

community and with other marginalized communities (#StopAsianHate); first-of-its-kind investment vehicles and accelerators to propel the next generation of top Asian Pacific founders, creatives, and leaders (Gold House Ventures, Creative Equity Fund); and industry-leading research, consulting, and marketing to promote authentic and affirming portrayals (Gold Story Consultation, Gold Open, Gold List, A100 List). To learn more, visit www.goldhouse.org or follow @GoldHouseCo on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, Threads, and LinkedIn.

 

ABOUT THE EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE

https://www.ampav.com/student-programs/cannes-emerging-filmmaker-showcase/2026-finalists/

 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN PAVILION

 

Celebrating its 37th year in 2026, the American Pavilion is the epicenter of American hospitality at the Cannes International Film Festival, bringing together professional and emerging filmmakers and industry executives from around the globe.

Situated on the beach behind the Palais, AmPav is a premier destination for networking, industry and celebrity panels, exclusive parties and events, and business services, along with its famed iced coffee, full bar, and lunch service. Since 1989, it has offered members, guests, and sponsors a dynamic environment to connect and do business at the world's most celebrated film festival.

 

The American Pavilion is now partnering with IndieWire and its Future of Filmmaking franchise, committed to educating emerging and established creators on the rapidly evolving entertainment industry. Most AmPav programming will be featured across IndieWire.com, its social media channels, and industry newsletters as part of IndieWire's editorial coverage.

 

ABOUT INDIEWIRE

 

IndieWire is the leading digital brand devoted to curating, reporting, and celebrating the best in film, TV, and entertainment. Branded the “online heartbeat of the world’s independent film community” by Forbes and dubbed “best indie crossroads” by film critic Roger Ebert, IndieWire is a two-time winner of the Webby Award for best entertainment website. IndieWire launched in July 1996 and in January 2016 joined Penske Media Corporation’s portfolio of leading global media brands.

 

ABOUT PENSKE MEDIA CORPORATION

 

Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a leading global media and information services company whose award-winning content attracts a passionate monthly audience of more than 350 million. Since 2004, PMC has been a pioneer in digital media and live events, reaching viewers on all screens across its ever-growing constellation of iconic brands, which includes Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Dick Clark Productions, WWD, SHE Media, Robb Report, Deadline, Sportico, ARTnews, Fairchild Media, Vibe, IndieWire, Artforum, Gold Derby and Luminate, the premier data and analytics company. PMC’s journalists and content creators deliver daily the most comprehensive news and information in their industries and areas of coverage, unequaled in ambition, depth, and courage. In addition, PMC owns several of the most iconic and vital cultural events such as The Golden Globes, Country Music Awards (ACMs), Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, SXSW, American Music Awards (AMAs), and Latin Music Week. Penske Media is headquartered in New York and Los Angeles with additional offices in 14 countries worldwide, for more information, please visit www.PMC.com.

 

FULL 2026 LINEUP BELOW:

 

 

LGBTQ+ SHOWCASE FILMS

 

BIG BASS

2024, 13:46 min., USA, Documentary, LGBTQ+

Director: Drew Dickler

Producer: Nikki F Heyman, Jennie Kamin, David Sherwin

Cast: Drew Dickler, Cheryl Bruttomesso, Eva Malkasian 

What does it mean to feel seen by others before you’re ready to see yourself? A filmmaker travels back to 1997 to revisit a dream-like memory from second grade that centers around her queer identity, her legendary PE teacher and a mysterious large plastic fish.

 

DANDELION

2025, 19:59 min., USA, Drama, Comedy, Coming-of-Age, LGBTQ+, American Film Institute Conservatory

Director: Fiona Obertinca

Writer: Corey Pinchoff

Producer: Tori Ichikowitz

Cast: Vic Michaelis, Ava Lalezarzadeh, Kristin Carey, Butch Klein, Sarah Cortez

In 1970s Los Angeles, rebellious queer teen MARGARET gets thrown out of yet another foster placement and finds herself in the company of a mysterious social worker who’s tasked with finding her a new home before the break of dawn. At odds and forced to travel the city together, Margaret realizes that running may not be her only option.

 

QUEERBAIT

2025, 10:07 min., USA, Erotic Thriller, LGBTQ+

Writer/Director: Nate Gualtieri

Producer: Bara Kim, Jesus Garcia

Cast: Sydney Mae Diaz, Matthew Floyd Miller

A precocious classics student is invited to dinner after he piques the interest of a tenured professor. But when his teacher's mentorship starts to push boundaries, he's forced to make a choice: protect his academic future, or preserve his dignity?

 

SO BE IT

2025, 7:28 min., USA, Animation, Documentary, LGBTQ+, University of Southern California

Writer/Director: Matthew Sorgie

Producer: Liya Yang, Shagun Kanwar

Cast: Rochelle (Shelley) Diamond, Barbara Belmont, Richard Zaldivar, Joselito Laudencia, Joe Heally, Gordon Bellamy, Bruce Keelan, Nitin Kale, Jim Raidl

So Be It is an animated documentary offering a rare and tender portrait of lifelong queer love. Through candid conversation, the film shares the stories of 5 LGBTQIA+ couples reflecting on resilience, commitment, and the privilege it is to love and be loved.

 

WELCOME TO TOOL SHED

2026, 22:11 min., USA, Documentary, LGBTQ+

Director: Daniel Talbott, Andrew Klaus-Vineyard

Producer: Rachna Khatau, Daniel Talbott, Andrew Klaus-Vineyard, Noel Do-Murakami, Jonah Sirota, Orphan Andy Films 

A searing dive into the colorful community of queer senior citizens who congregate at the Tool Shed, a long-standing leather bar and sanctuary for queer people in Palm Springs, CA. The film examines the generation who never expected to become senior citizens in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and decades of oppression, who now find themselves trailblazers again as the first openly LGBTQ seniors.

 

ZARI

2024, 19:16 min., USA/India, Drama, Coming-of-Age, LGBTQ+

Writer/Director: Shruti Parekh

Producer: Kajri Akhtar, Shruti Parekh

Cast: Aesha Soni, Kamal Batra, Richa Kaira, Kundan Kumar 

American teen Neelu feels like a fish out of water amidst preparations for her sister’s wedding in Delhi until she forges a brief and unexpected connection with Zeyb, a quiet sari store clerk who moonlights as an internet drag queen.

 

EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE SHORTS 

 

THE DRIVE

2025, 12:21 min., USA, Drama, Suspense, Historical

Writer/Director: David Arrow

Producer: Leon Derriey

Cast: Amber Paul, Allen Guy Willcox, Rivers Duggan, Blair Newman, Victoria Spitalieri, Andrew Arrow, Emma Carpio, Madison Chung, and Candice Clarke

It’s a warm November day in the early 1960s, and Liz has just picked up the kids for her weekly carpool. Little does she know that this will be a drive she’ll never forget.

 

LAWYERED UP

2025, 18:48 min., USA, Sci-Fi, Dramedy

Writer/Director: Tatiana Blackington James

Producer: Tatiana Blackington James, Olia Zimarova

Cast: Virginia Reece, Jude Lanston, Josh Breslow, Susan Rudick

A betrayed woman hires a divorce lawyer who seems to be the perfect man. Is he too good to be true?

 

LUKI AND THE LIGHTS

2024, 10:40 min., USA, Animation

Director: Toby Cochran

Screenwriter: Toby Cochran

Writer: Toby Cochran, Sascha Groen, Janna Brouwer-Schouten, Anjo Snijders

Producer: Adrian Ochoa

Cast: Anjo Snijders, Kendra Vernon, Toby Cochran 

LUKi, a charming and upbeat robot known for living life to the fullest, confronts a life-altering ALS diagnosis.

 

A MATTER OF TIME

2025, 9:14 min., USA, Drama

Writer/Director: Ana Milena Rojas Alarcon, Brian Patrick Hoffman

Producer: Ashlee Espinal

Cast: Priscila Buiar, Blanca Harnett, Brielle Dardashtian, Hilary Ervin, Garrett Cummings

Milena, a DACA recipient mother, faces a life-altering crisis one evening when her routine with her daughter, Sofia, is disrupted by an impending ICE raid. As ICE agents close in, Milena’s mother urges her to flee. In the midst of a tense escape, Milena encounters an ICE officer who, touched by a shared moment, offers her a brief chance to evade capture. The film underscores the personal and systemic struggles faced by immigrants.

 

MONSTER SLAYER

2025, 21 min., USA, Animation, Documentary

Director: Catie Skipp

Producer: Grace Oathout, Catie Skipp

Cast: Stephanie 'Monty' Montgomery (Self)

After Monty is assaulted at the strip club where she works, she weaponizes public art to exact justice against a system’s refusal to act.

 

POISONED SKIES

2026, 10:45 min., USA, Drama

Writer/Director: Caroline Friend

Producer: Nadia Fedchin, Caroline Friend

Cast: Julia Goldani Telles, Christopher Stanley, Kyle Mac, Michael Otis, Samuel Dunning

In 1954, an ambitious scientist on the brink of presenting groundbreaking pollution research is forced to make a moral decision when she becomes the target of a mining company responsible for a deadly smog disaster. Based on a true story.

 

SAVERIO

2025, 13:50 min., USA, Dramedy, Drama, Socially Conscious

Writer/Director: Ellen Ancui

Producer: Connie Jo Sechrist, Ellen Ancui

Cast: Quincy Cho, Roberto Medina, Scott Alin, Georgie August, Liv Lindell, Joy Hana Park, Renny Madlena, Pablo Sanfrancisco, Parion Roberts, Joanna Cretella

Mae, an ambitious, Korean American influencer, finds an elderly, Mexican man abandoned in her car, and must choose between her own ambition and an unsupportive healthcare system, and unwittingly journeys toward a new destination.

 

EMERGING FILMMAKER STUDENT SHOWCASE FILMS

 

AT WHAT COST?

2025, 20:38 min., USA, Sci-Fi, Drama, University of Southern California

Writer/Director: Ant Roberson

Producer: Mike Werner, Charlotte Marcoulis, Simeon Payne-Narcis

Cast: Quincy Everidge, Ayanda Dube, Obum Eji, Raquelle Wallace

In a drought-ravaged future where society relies on a mind-altering government drug, an obsessive scientist must choose between curing his addicted younger brother or protecting his pregnant wife before the drug turns him into something inhuman.

 

BLOOKY: THE BOOK WHO WANTED TO BE READ

2026, 5:42 min., Canada/Mexico/USA, Animation, USC School of Cinematic Arts

Writer/Director: Pablo Diaz De Leon Hicks

Producer: Shagun Kanwar, Nathania Djuhar

Cast: Cherry Guo, Adrian Garci, Allie Costa, Christopher Borkovec, Arturo Pulido Tomas, Joshua Luper 

A brand-new little book gets lost in the vast maze of a grand library and journeys through every section in search of where he belongs, only to realize that the most meaningful place to be isn’t always where you fit in best.

 

EAST DID MEET WEST

2025, 15 min., USA, Romance, Drama, History, Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts 

Director: Aiko Lozar

Writer: Aiko Lozar, Alexis Berganio

Producer: Alexis Berganio

Cast: Kev Martinez, Tatyana Aravena, Eliza Kanter, Sharon Gardner, Francisco Martin, Aaron Smithson, Seth Goyal, Adam Acosta

Inspired by the 1930s court case Roldan vs. Los Angeles County, Filipino Salvador Roldan and English Marjorie Rogers must find a way to convince an attorney to fight for their marriage despite the anti-miscegenation laws of the time.

 

FUEL UP

2026, 15:27 min., USA, Sports, Drama, University of Southern California

Writer/Director: Anne Koolen

Producer: Sonia Bhatia, Maggie Mingjun Zheng, Dhruvraj Singh Bhati

Cast: Casey Burke, Rick Kumazawa, Mark Simich, Joe Guintu

Haunted by the nightmare of her boyfriend's deadly race car crash, Ava must conquer her fear of racing before she loses the dream they once shared forever.

 

HER WEDDING

2026, 19:20 min., China, Subtitles, Drama, Columbia University New York

Director: Qinting Wang

Writer: Qinting Wang, Tiankuo Men

Producer: Jieying Amy Wu

Cast: Yi Wang, Niu Sun

On the day of her arranged marriage, a bride reclaims the ceremony meant to contain her.

 

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

2025, 11:34 min., USA, Documentary, Loyola Marymount University

Director: Megan Whitham

Producer: Megan Whitham, Hannah Butler

Cast: Taylor Leigh Aguilar (Self), Shannia Singh, Dilara Kurdakul, Inna Hanson, Kiko Sweeney, Jennifer Gutierrez, Victoria McJunkin, Kelly Kuang, Elias Gonzalez-Castillo, Allie Alder, Conner Wilson

Halfway through her M.F.A. in film production, Taylor Leigh Aguilar unexpectedly goes blind, derailing the dream she chased since high school. Yet as she grieves her sight, she discovers that with flexibility and ingenuity, her filmmaking vision might not be lost after all.

 

KATTI (unfriend)

2026, 14 min., India/USA, Subtitles, Drama, Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Director: Kanishka Aggarwal

Writer: Kanishka Aggarwal, Akshita Namjoshi

Producer: Kanishka Aggarwal, Wenfeng Li

Cast: Siyona Ailiani, Ashi Sharma

In a vibrant, multi-generational Indian household, 8-year-old Bittoo finds herself sidelined after the birth of her baby brother. Mischievous, observant, and desperate for affection, she seeks connection from her father, aunts, grandmother, even her exhausted mother but finds her only consistent, if reluctant, anchor in her teenage sister, Mitthoo. But even Mitthoo is pulling away, lost in her own secret.