Lights, Cannes, Action! Enter the American Pavilion Video Contest

Contest Overview

Dreaming of Cannes? The American Pavilion (AmPav) and IndieWire Future of Filmmaking are inviting filmmakers to share their Cannes story—or their Cannes dream—in a creative Instagram reel for the Lights, Cannes, Action! Video Contest.

Your reel can be a testimonial, a slideshow, or something completely original. The only rule: show how the Cannes experience has, or could, transform your filmmaking journey. Winning entries will be chosen by a jury of industry professionals and shared on AmPav’s official channels.

Categories & Prizes

Two contest categories celebrate both returning and aspiring Cannes participants:

Cannes Alumni

Share how your time in AmPav’s Cannes Student Program shaped your career.

Cannes First-Timer

Show how attending Cannes could change your creative path.

Prizes Per Category

• 1st Prize: Full Scholarship to AmPav’s 2026 Cannes Student Program
• 2nd Prize: 50% Scholarship to the 2026 program

Each scholarship covers housing, daily breakfast, festival accreditation, and ground transportation during the Cannes Film Festival (May 10–24, 2026). Travel and additional meals are not included.

How to Enter

1. Create an Instagram Reel (3 minutes max) showcasing your Cannes story or aspirations.
2. Follow and tag @americanpavilion in your post (must tag, not collaborate).
3. Include all required hashtags in your caption:
   #AmPav #IWFutureOfFilmmaking #Cannes2026 #CannesFilmFestival
4. Ensure your account is public through the judging period.
5. Submit your contest entry form.

Pro Tip: Use a standout cover image to help jurors remember your video.

Important Dates

Winning videos will be featured on AmPav’s Instagram, website, and partner platforms, giving filmmakers global visibility and a chance to join the next generation of storytellers at Cannes.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international entrants, 18+ by May 2026. You don’t need to be a student to participate — just a filmmaker ready to dream big.