Cate Blanchett on the Displacement Film Fund

Cate Blanchett spoke on May 18th, 2026, at the Cannes Film Festival to announce the five filmmakers selected for the second cycle of the Displacement Film Fund (DFF). The initiative supports displaced filmmakers and storytellers who authentically portray the experiences of displaced people. The Fund was launched in 2025 with backing from leaders across the global film industry and philanthropy sectors.

The newly selected filmmakers are Mohammed Amer, Annemarie Jacir, Akuol de Mabior, Bao Nguyen, and Rithy Panh. Each recipient will receive a €100,000 production grant, and their completed short films will premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January–February 2027.

The Cannes panel also included Blanchett, Amer, Jacir, de Mabior, and Nguyen, with moderation by Clare Stewart. The discussion focused on the growth of the Displacement Film Fund, the filmmakers’ upcoming projects, and the broader responsibility of the film industry to support displaced artists and refugee storytelling.

To watch Cate elaborate on the fund, click here

To watch Cate speak on what can produce freedom, click here