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. 2026 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.
50 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lawrence Watford

    I can't express how much I appreciate this opportunity and how much I appreciate what Diversity In Cannes founder, Yolonda Brinkley has been created here in Cannes on behalf of filmmakers like myself. The work behind the scenes that went into this event has me in awe and I hope that more people will support going forward.

    Not only were we afforded to show our films during the most prestigious film festival in the world, but you also have the unique benefit of meeting the other Diversity In Cannes filmmakers via online video meetings where the founder answers questions about DIC's programming - as well as the intricacies of navigating the Festival De Cannes as a whole...

    WELL WORTH THE PRICE OF SUBMISSION!

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so very much for the kind words. The goal is global exposure for underrepresented filmmakers. I will continue to provide the platform and prepare them for the beau chaos of the Cannes Film Festival as long as the demand is there. I look forward to your continued success. Oh and tell the fam, thanks for allowing you to spend the time with us when you COULDA been home celebrating!!!

  • Carole Copeland

    Last year was my first time attending this showcase and I promise, unless God says otherwise, I WILL NEVER MISS IT AGAIN!! And I have told all my people they must submit this year and definitely must experience!! I had the best time with the excellent programming and networking opportunities! Also, Yolonda makes sure that we are well informed or everything you need to know for travel and stay in Cannes! I highly recommend

    February 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Awwwww this made me smile. See you in May! Continued success for Brownies.

  • Tamika Lamison

    I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase for many years. And it has consistently gotten better. This year in particular I was impressed with the expansive and truly diverse programming. There were lunches, brunches, fellowship with other filmmakers and partnerships with other organizations that were truly incredible. There was also a really great turn out at events. I was lucky enough to have my short "Superman Doesn't Steal" honored with Best Director, (shared) Best Narrative and Best Original Song. We received some cool certificates and a ton of additional prizes which consisted of a slew of high profile meetings with some fantastic companies that included Juvee Productions & Tyler Perry Studios as well as meetings with Showrunners, EP's and more. All of my meetings were extremely valuable and I couldn't be more grateful. This is the only festival that I am aware of that provides these kinds of extremely valuable prizes. The fact that it takes place in France is a lovely bonus as well of course lol. And Yolonda Brinkley does an incredible job of supporting the filmmakers with informational zooms and details so that everyone is fully prepared for the festival and festivities. Definitely apply and attend if you have the opportunity. I am so happy to be a part of this film festival family.

    January 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your continued support. At Diversity in Cannes, we are proud of our partnerships with our prize sponsors. We aim to increase filmmaker exposure, to expand their networks and to arm them with some of the tools required to advance their careers. We're so happy that the prizes are beneficial!

  • Yogi Devgan

    It was such a great experience and networking.

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Happy you were able to network.

  • 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.