Cannes Critics' Week Selects Armenian Directors for Next Step Studio

Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week announced on November 15, 2023, the four Armenian filmmakers selected to participate in its upcoming Next Step Studio program. This initiative is designed to foster international collaboration and develop emerging talent. The selected directors are Armik Israyelyan, Raffi Movsisyan, Sona Khachatryan, and Naira Sargsyan. Each of these Armenian filmmakers will be paired with an international filmmaker. These pairs will then work together to develop their respective film projects. The Next Step Studio program is a key component of Critics' Week, aiming to support filmmakers in the crucial development phase of their work. This year's focus on Armenia highlights the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic voices and providing a platform for global talent. The program typically involves workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, facilitating the transition from script development to production. The selection of these four directors signifies a significant opportunity for them to gain international exposure and refine their artistic visions with guidance from experienced professionals in the film industry. The specific international filmmakers they will be paired with were not disclosed in the initial announcement.