Showcasing fresh film-making talent: BYD and Mediawan launch 'Build Your Dream Award' during the Cannes Film Festival
- New prize highlights debut films by emerging filmmakers, aiming to promote the next generation of cinematic visionaries
- Shortlist of 15 movies, including films not presented at Festival de Cannes, from around the world, all released in France between May 2025 and May 2026, between two editions of the Festival de Cannes and not presented at the Festival, with winner chosen by international jury of five leading industry figures
- Trophy and €40,000 grant to be awarded on 14 May
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions, and Mediawan, the leading independent and multi-award-winning European studio, are proud to announce, as part of their partnership, the first edition of a new award designed to inspire and support emerging filmmaking talent. Called the Build Your Dream Award, the accolade will run alongside one of the most renowned film festivals in the world, and will recognise every year the best debut feature film released in French theaters over the past 12 months.
The new prize is driven by a shared vision between BYD and Mediawan – one of open, demanding and deeply international creativity. A shortlist of 15 international films, drawn up by Thierry Chèze, Editor-in-Chief of Premiere Magazine, will be judged by a panel comprising five influential figures in the global film industry. The inaugural winner, to be announced on 14 May 2026 at the Terrasse by Albane in Cannes, will receive a trophy by Parisian designer Victoria Wilmotte and a grant of 40,000 euros.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, commented: "Build Your Dreams is the motto of BYD itself, and we believe that dreams only come to life when they are given the means to exist. The Build Your Dream Award is designed to nurture that spirit, by shining a light on the debut filmmakers and their talents. We're proud to partner with Mediawan on this annual accolade, and the Cannes Film Festival, one of the greatest showcases of creativity in the world, is the perfect place to launch it. Our hope is that in the coming years, the Build Your Dream Award will be a springboard for emerging filmmakers."
The Build Your Dream Award jury President is Chen Kaige, a renowned Chinese film director who, since the 1980s, has earned international acclaim and established himself as a leading figure in the evolution of Chinese cinema. He won the prestigious Palme d'Or in 1993 for his film Farewell My Concubine. Chen Kaige commented: "There are countless young people around the world who dream of becoming film directors. To host the Build Your Dream Award during the Cannes Film Festival, an award dedicated to emerging filmmakers, is for them an immensely meaningful and valuable occasion."
Joining Chen Kaige and Thierry Chèze on the judging panel for the inaugural Build Your Dream Award are:
- Mélanie Laurent, an actress, director and screenwriter who appeared in Quentin Tarentino's Inglorious Basterds and has directed movies such as The Adopted, Breathe and the Mad Women's Ball.
- Hafsia Herzi, who first gained recognition for her performances in The Secret Of The Grain and Mektoub, My Love, both directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. She has since built a strong presence in auteur cinema, and received the César Award for Best Actress in 2025 for her role in Borgo.
- Yann Demange, a French-Algerian director known for his distinctive visual style and assured storytelling. He directed the well-received television series Dead Set and Top Boy, before making his directorial film debut with '71, for which he received the British Independent Film Award for Best Director.
The shortlist for the first Build Your Dream Award is as follows:
Familiar Touch, Sarah Friedland (United States)
Christy And His Brother, Brendan Canty (Ireland)
Fire On the Plain, Ji Zhang (China)
Didi, Sean Wang (United States / Taiwan)
Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story, Luck Razanajaona (Madagascar)
Honeymoon, Zhanna Ozirna (Ukraine)
In The Summers, Alessandra Lacorazza (United States / Colombia)
Little Trouble Girls, Urska Djukić (Croatia)
Muganga, The One Who Treats, Marie- Hélène Roux (France)
On Falling, Laura Carreira (Portugal)
We Believe You, Charlotte Devillers & Arnaud Dufeys (Belgium)
That Summer In Paris, Valentine Cadic (France)
A Sad And Beautiful World, Cyril Aris (Lebanon)
Together, Michael Shanks (Australia)
Truly Naked, Muriel D'Ansembourg (Netherlands)
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