Among the 19 features and shorts selected for Cannes Directors Fortnight 2026 are five documentaries, three of which are feature-length and two shorts. These include Thanks for Coming by veteran French filmmaker Alain Cavalier.
“We are honored to host a special event: the premiere of Alain Cavalier’s latest film. He was among the pioneering discoverers of new films and talents at the start of the Fortnight. We are extremely proud to present the final instalment of his filmed diary,” writes Directors Fortnight Artistic Director Julien Rejl.
Quinzaine (Directors’ Fortnight) will furthermore celebrate the film career of Claire Denis with the award of an honorary Golden Carriage (Carrosse d’Or) during the opening ceremony on May 13.
The 2026 feature documentary selection is as follows:
- Gabin by Maxence Voiseux
- Once Upon A Time In Harlem by William Greaves & David Greaves
- Thanks for Coming by Alain Cavalier
The short and medium-length selection reads:
- In Search of the Grey Bird with Green Stripes by Saïd Hamich Benlarbi
- The Joyless Economy by Marjorie Conrad
Directors Fortnight Artistic Director Julien Rejl’s announcement reads in full:
Under the bucolic and pastoral gaze of Alain Guiraudie, the 58th edition of the Directors’ Fortnight presents 19 feature films and 9 short films as part of our new selection. We will be presenting works from 19 countries on five continents, with notable contributions from a number of countries with little or no international exposure, such as Nigeria, Sudan, Guatemala, Venezuela and Cyprus.
We are delighted by the significant presence of documentaries (3 features and 2 shorts) and animation (3 features and 2 shorts as well), showcasing highly distinctive works that demonstrate the exceptional richness and vitality of both forms.
The 2026 selection brings together established filmmakers, emerging voices (including 6 debut features), and directors whose artistic voices are still taking shape.
Finally, we are honored to host a special event: the premiere of Alain Cavalier’s latest film. He was among the pioneering discoverers of new films and talents at the start of the Fortnight. We are extremely proud to present the final instalment of his filmed diary. Welcome aboard Directors’ Fortnight’s journey around the world!
