This year marks the 65th edition of the Semaine de la Critique (labelled Critics’ Week in some regions, for some reason), the section dedicated to first and sophomore works. This parallel section, organised by the French Union of Film Critics, continues its tradition of discovering and championing new voices in global cinema. Under the artistic direction of Ava Cahen, now in her fourth year, Critics’ Week remains a haven for first and second feature films. This year’s selection was presented earlier today and comprises 11 films, seven of which are in the competition.

The opening film will be In Waves by Phuong Mai Nguyen, which adapts a graphic novel by AJ Dungo. In the competition lineup, one will find films like  The Second Daughter by Zou Jing, who previously won an award at Semaine for her short film Lili toute seule in 2021, and La Gradiva by Marine Atlan, who is best known as a cinematographer on films such as Le Ravissement (Semaine 2023) and L’Engloutie (Quinzaine 2025). The latter rendered here a César nomination. Dua is the sophomore film by Blerta Basholli, who garnered attention at Sundance with her first feature film, Hive.

Semaine de la Critique 2026 Selections

Discover the full selection of feature films below. The short film selection will be announced on April 15.

Competition

• The Station, Sara Ishaq (Yemen)
• The Second Daughter, Zou Jing (China)
• Dua, Blerta Basholli (Kosovo)
• La Gradiva, Marine Atlan (France)
• Seis meses en el edificio rosa con azul, Bruno Santamaría Razo (Mexico)
• Irish Castle, Alexander Murphy (Ireland)
• Viva, Aina Clotet (Spain)

Special Screenings

• In Waves, Phuong Mai Nguyen (France) – opening film
• Fuel Oil in the Arteries, Pierre Le Gall (France)
• The Strike, Julien Gaspar-Oliveri (France)
• Farewell Cruel World, Félix de Givry (France) – closing film

In recent years, the Semaine de la Critique section has delivered some of the Cannes Film Festival’s best films. Prime examples are Feathers (2021), The Woodcutter Story (2022), and Tiger Stripes (2023). Hopefully, this year’s edition will give the spectators additional cinematic jolts of happiness.

This year’s edition will run from May 13 to 21.