Six talented filmmakers—three women and three men—have been selected for the prestigious 49th edition of the Residence, which commenced on March 15 and will continue until July 31, 2025. Hosted in Paris, this renowned initiative offers participants a tailored screenwriting program, providing them with invaluable mentorship, creative guidance, and exclusive opportunities to engage with industry experts, fostering the development of their cinematic visions.
Hungarian animation graduate Buda, an alumna of the esteemed Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, first gained recognition when her graduation short film Entopia was showcased at the 2019 Berlinale. Building on this early success, she reached new heights in 2023 when her short film 27 earned global acclaim, securing both the prestigious Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at Cannes and the esteemed Cristal Award at Annecy, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of animation.
Italian filmmaker Andrea Gatopoulos showcased his 2022 short film Happy New Year, Jim at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight during the Cannes Film Festival. Building on this success, he later introduced his 2023 documentary feature, A Stranger Quest, at the Torino Film Festival, further cementing his presence in the global cinema landscape.
Xiwen Cong, a talented filmmaker from China, honed her craft at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy. Her short film Banished Love earned international acclaim after being selected for Cannes’ esteemed La Cinef in the previous year. Now, she is taking a significant step forward in her career by developing her debut feature, Home, Sick, through La Résidence, a renowned creative incubator for emerging directors.
Austrian filmmaker Simon Maria Kubiena, acclaimed for his award-winning short film *Blue Noise* at the 2022 Berlinale, is now crafting his highly anticipated feature debut, *The Flowering of a Chimera*. This compelling narrative delves into the psychological journey of a troubled young man as he grapples with guilt, ultimately finding solace and understanding through an unexpected bond with an older companion. With Kubiena’s distinctive storytelling and evocative cinematic style, this project promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of human emotions and redemption.
American filmmaker Constance Tsang made an impressive debut at the 2024 Cannes Critics’ Week with her first feature film, Blue Sun Palace. Building on this momentum, she is now further honing her craft as a participant in La Résidence, where she is developing her second feature, My Mother and Yours.
São Paulo-based filmmaker Ribeyro, renowned for his cinematic storytelling, gained recognition in 2021 when La Cinef’s jury honored his debut short film Cantareira with an award. Continuing his artistic journey, he recently captivated audiences with The Nature, his latest short film, which premiered at the esteemed Festival do Rio.
Renowned filmmakers who have previously taken part in La Résidence include Lucrecia Martel, Corneliu Porumboiu, Michel Franco, Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic, Carla Simón, and Payal Kapadia. This prestigious program has nurtured visionary storytellers, fostering creative excellence and cinematic innovation on a global scale.
The highly anticipated Cannes Film Festival is set to unveil its Official Selection on April 10.
