Before proceeding please read this important message in entirety, noting the following:

1. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT.
2. WE DO NOT HAVE BIG CORPORATE SPONSORS (WE HAVE A FEW SMALL ONES).
3. WE NEED MONEY TO PRODUCE THE EVENT & CURATE A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
4. WE DO NOT OFFER FEE WAIVERS!!!

Created to encourage underrepresented filmmakers from unique backgrounds telling stories specific to marginalized populations to share their work before a global audience during the Cannes Film Festival. The independent Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase will promote the work of diverse (thought, race, gender, age, religion, physical ability and sexual orientation) filmmakers and recognize them globally for their achievements in film.

The top 10 to 18 films, music videos and web series from ALL eligible entries, as determined by Diversity in Cannes and its partners, will be ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL SELECTIONS IN COMPETITION (eligible to compete for the grand prize) LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA during the official selection press conference the week of April 14, 2025 (subject to change).

PLEASE NOTE: Film programming onsite, in France, will be determined by filmmaker attendance, with priority given to the 10-18 films, music videos and web series selected in competition. In the event, filmmaker participation is low, invitations will be extended to other highly rated submitters.

Showcase winners will be determined by jury and announced at an awards reception immediately following the Showcase.

While the events take place in France at the same time as the Cannes Film Festival the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase is an Independent event sponsored by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' Juvee Productions and the British Film Institute's inclusion team with support from Screen Australia.

Awards & Prizes

WE DO NOT OFFER FEE WAIVERS!!!

Prizes for General Showcase Winners are meant to promote filmmakers, expand their network, assist with career advancement and to prepare for future projects.

* Previous prizes listed below. 2025 prizes subject to change*

• Mentorship meeting (phone/video conference) with JuVee Productions' executive.

• Professional consultation, including mentor meeting and script coverage with
Whitney Davis and other executives at Anthony Hemingway Productions (AHP).

• Two-hour screenplay assessment with Award-Winning
Producer, Darren Dean (THE FLORIDA PROJECT, KINYARWANDA,
PREMATURE, Tangerine), to be scheduled at the convenience of both
parties.

• Agent meeting (phone/video conference) with Tracy Christian of TCA (Tracy
Christian Talent Agency).

• Mentorship Meeting (Phone or Virtual) with Writer / Producer Kyle Harimoto,
executive producer of NCIS:LA on CBS. Past credits include LAS VEGAS for
NBC and HAWAII FIVE-0 for CBS. He has current development deals with
Amazon Studios and USA / PEACOCK.

• Complimentary submission (1) to the 2024 Diversity in Cannes Short Film
Showcase.

• Complimentary submission to film festival of choice during regular submission
period.

• Complimentary consultation including character and theme development with PsychMinded Media.

• One hour festival, PR or social media strategy consultation with marketing
communications professional.

• Comprehensive list of global film initiatives to fund your next project.

• Short film score consultation with MannYScorseyze.

• Link to winning film or trailer on the Diversity in Cannes Facebook, YouTube,
Twitter and Instagram pages (as appropriate).

• Guest on Diversity in Cannes’ Cannes Conversations where film trailer as well current and future projects will be shared.

• Global exposure via press release announcing winners of the Diversity in Cannes
Short Film Showcase distributed electronically.

• Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase certificate.

Rules & Terms


WE DO NOT OFFER FEE WAIVERS!!!!

Submission Guidelines

ALL PROJECTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PRIMARY CATEGORIES:

WEBSERIES
NARRATIVE SHORT
MICRO SHORT (under 5 minutes)
DOCUMENTARY SHORT
MUSIC VIDEO

ALL "BEST" CATEGORIES (BEST ACTRESS, ACTOR, ETC) ARE OPTIONAL AND SECONDARY!!!

PROJECTS SUBMITTED WITHOUT A PRIMARY CATEGORY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED WITH NO REFUND!!!!

There is no limit to the number of entries as long as they meet requirements below.

* must be submitted by March 15, 2025 (deadlines subject to change)
* must be the work of a diverse filmmaker or tell a diverse story
* must be under 20 minutes including credits (we will consider all films < 30 mins though selection is rare.
* must have English subtitles if shot in another language
* must not contain pornography
* must not contain racist, sexist, offensive or defamatory statements intended to harm
* must not cause harm to anyone
* must not be an invasion of privacy
* must have complete rights to film’s content
* must have a copyright owner who is at least 18 years of age
* must be copyright free
* must be original work and not based, in whole or in part on material, fictional or nonfiction, produced or un-produced, published or unpublished, unless such material was originally created and published/produced by the applicant in another medium

Judges to determine official selections.

All entries received during the open call for entries will be reviewed by the festival administrator for eligibility and compliance with the entry requirements. Following the festival administrator’s review, eligible entries will be made available for judging by a screening committee of diverse filmmakers, film enthusiasts and every day people from around the world.

All films are entitled to at least 3 reviews and will be judged on the elements below. Competition films will be selected from all eligible entries. Decision of the screening committee is final!

* Creativity and Originality 

*Direction

* Writing

* Cinematography

* Performances 

* Production Value

*Pacing

* Structure

* Sound Music

* Overall Impression 

Top 10 to 18 films from ALL eligible entries as determined by Diversity in Cannes and its partners will be official selections and screened during the 2025 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, May 19, 2025, during Diversity Day, an independent event, concurrent with the Cannes Film Festival.

Winners will be determined by jury and announced at an awards reception immediately following the Showcase.

By agreeing to showcase your work with Diversity in Cannes Short Film & Web Series Showcase, you agree to the following:

* Diversity in Cannes Short Film & Web Series Showcase & Awards is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, including films in any medium, while en-route or in our possession, on or off of festival grounds.

* All fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

* Applicant claims all liability and damages in relation to any screening of applicant's submission to which applicant does not hold complete rights to its content.

* Applicant is responsible for clearing all rights to the content of the film prior to exhibition.

* Applicant grants DIC Short Film & Web Series Showcase the right to use excerpts from accepted films including audio, video, names and images to promote the festival.

* The rights-holder allows the DIC Short Film & Webseries Showcase to screen the submitted work, in full, at the 2024 DIC Short Film & Web Series Showcase without further communication or approval.

* Applicant permits the DIC Short Film & Web Series Showcase to retain one or more copies of applicant's film for use in the Showcase archives.

* Applicant permits the DIC Short Film & Web Series Showcase to create digital copies of applicants film for use by Showcase staff & associates to facilitate the pre-screening process.

** While Showcase attendance is not required, when determining the 2024 official selections, .priority will be given to filmmakers planning to travel to Cannes to promote their projects **

**PLEASE NOTE: For the past 3 years, we have implemented a hybrid strategy, where we screen films online and in person based on filmmaker attendance**

** While consider all short films <30 minutes, we prefer projects under 20 minutes for optimized programming. We want to showcase as many shorts as possible.
46 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Erin Brown Thomas

    Thank you Yolonda for working hard to create a space for diversity in the heart of Cannes. We enjoyed the films in our block and had a great time at the awards dinner. - Team [subtext]

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Erin for supporting our efforts. We appreciate the kind words.

  • Ying Chu

    Thank you for giving us this honour. Participating in the festival is an excellent experience.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you.

  • Nabila Lester

    Everything was excellent. A life changing event.

    August 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your participation. Glad our showcase could have a positive effect on your life. We'd definitely love to learn more.

  • Anah Ambuchi

    This is by far one of the best experiences / film festivals that I've attended. To be 17yrs old, I felt honored, seen and supported to be at this film festival with other directors, filmmakers, artists, producers, and creatives. Ms. Yolonda and her entire time do a fantastic job ensuring that diverse voices are highlighted in the films that are selected. The festival provided the best of all worlds experiences such as  good films, opportunities for networking, a health space for inclusion, an informative seminar and guest speakers. Communication was always top notch and clear and I recommend this film festival to anyone who is interested in amplifying and supporting diversity in the film world.

    June 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your kinds words. We love watching your career progression. You are forever a part of the Diversity in Cannes family.

  • Zayanfim Zayanfim

    Great event ! Great film ! Great Networking.
    This évent had to take place there, espacially for those who have talent, have films, but is considered in Diversity by the mainstream cinema.
    Let’s remind that Diversity in the world is more numerous than others in all field…
    Thank you Yolonda Brinkley, for this event. We needed it !!!

    June 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much Yannick. This year was especially hard for me doing all things on my own so I'm happy I was able to deliver. I appreciate your kind words and understanding! Hope to keep in touch.