EXCLUSIVE: Wscripted has unveiled its fifth Cannes Screenplay Record, in partnership with world streamer and distributor Mubi.
The 2025 checklist showcases initiatives from 14 feminine and non-binary filmmakers and screenwriters searching for producing and financing companions. (scroll down for full checklist).
Among the many nominees is Emmy-nominated Kenyan American filmmaker Peres Owino, who co-wrote Netflix’s African Queens – Njinga and Queen Cleopatra, and is now growing function movie The Basket Weaver, from her personal authentic screenplay.
The checklist additionally options New York author, comic, and singer-songwriter Liz Nico and L.A.-based trans author, director and artist Jules Byrne, whose debut function Summer season of 69 premiered at this 12 months’s SXSW as a Hulu authentic movie. The pair are collaborating on rom-com function Jane Hates Miranda.
Additional nominees embrace Filipina American actor, filmmaker, and Sundance fellow Kristine Gerolaga, with horror function Lamok.
Spearheaded by Wscripted’s founder and CEO Ellie Jamen, Wscripted’s Cannes Screenplay Record was launched in 2021 to assist ladies and non-binary writer-directors, with a give attention to movie. It has championed 92 various initiatives since its inception.
The initiative was designed to reflect the market dynamics between worldwide gross sales brokers and distributors in the course of the Cannes’s Marche du Movie, with a give attention to pushing deal alternatives for female-led initiatives in early to late stage growth.
This 12 months’s shortlist was revealed throughout an occasion in Cannes, with nominees in attendance to pitch their initiatives and a fireplace chat that includes Mounia Meddour (Papicha, Houria), who has beforehand supported the initiative as a jury member. Different earlier jurors embrace Vanessa Kirby.
This 12 months’s jury featured Emmy and BAFTA TV Award nominee Nava Mau (Child Reindeer), filmmaker Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Goals), and director Erica Tremblay (Fancy Dance).
Mau made historical past as the primary trans girl nominated for each Emmy and Bafta TV Awards for her efficiency in Child Reindeer and gained an Impartial Spirit Award for the position.
Past appearing, Mau additionally directs. Her quick movie All The Phrases However The One screened in festivals all over the world and competed for the celebrated LGBTQ Iris Prize.
“We all know that the movie trade is in want of great tradition change, and I’m honored to assist this effort to amplify the facility of girls and non-binary filmmakers,” she mentioned.
Mirza’s Pakastani-Canadian comedy The Queen of My Goals starred Amrit Kaur as a girl, whose relationship with dad and mom was strained after she got here out as a Lesbian.
The movie was launched within the U.S. by female-led distribution labels Willa and Product of Tradition. Following screenings at TIFF and SXSW, the movie gained prestigious awards from the Administrators Guild of Canada and Canadian Display screen Awards, marking a big achievement in Canadian cinema with the movie’s groundbreaking portrayal of queer love and identification.
Tremblay, an alumna of the Second Wscripted Cannes Screenplay Record along with her debut function movie Fancy Dance.
Starring Lily Gladstone as a Native American girl who takes her niece to a state powwow whereas trying to find her lacking sister, the movie was acquired and launched by Apple TV in summer time 2024. Tremblay is at present a co-executive producer and director on AMC’s collection Darkish Winds.
“Fancy Dance is a narrative about Native ladies and the deep duty they usually carry in our communities. I needed to point out how love and care persist, even within the face of loss and systemic injustice. My work facilities Native characters who’re absolutely human: messy, humorous, sophisticated. My subsequent venture is a horror function, and I’m excited to discover those self same complexities throughout the style house,” she mentioned.
Tremblay emphasised the significance of initiatives such because the Wscripted Cannes Screenplay Record.
“They assist open doorways which might be usually closed to ladies and different marginalized voices. These areas make it attainable to fulfill the best artistic companions, to construct lasting collaborations, and to obtain significant assist from fellow filmmakers and jury members who genuinely imagine in your voice,” she mentioned.
Wscripted’s Cannes Screenplay Record has been offered in partnership with Mubi since 2022. The corporate often champions feminine administrators, with current titles together with The Substance by Coralie Fargeat. Fowl by Andrea Arnold, Dahomey by Matt Diop, and The best way to Have Intercourse by Molly Manning Walker.
The complete checklist of nominees:
- Acids by Tamar Feinkind
- Alma Aparicio by Jesahel Newton-Bernal
- El Baca by Michelle Calderon
- Jane Hates Miranda by Liz Nico & Jules Byrne
- Lamok by Kristine Gerolaga
- Livingstone by Robin Henry & Pearse Lehane
- Lengthy Story Quick by Simbi Corridor
- Piper by Katy Dore
- Satoshi by Sara Crow & David Rafailedes
- Present & Inform by C.C. Webster
- The Basket Weaver by Peres Owino
- The Seahorse by Devon Kirkpatrick
- To The Sea by Vanessa Magic
- With Your Permission by Sahar Jahani
