Build Your Dream Award’: BYD and Mediawan Launch Prize for Emerging Filmmakers at Cannes

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BYD and Mediawan Launch the Build Your Dream Award to Support Emerging Filmmakers BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions, has partnered with Mediawan, a prominent European studio, to establish the Build Your Dream Award. This new annual prize aims to recognize, encourage, and provide visibility to emerging international film talents. The announcement was made during the Cannes Film Festival. The Build Your Dream Award will honor the best debut feature film released in French cinemas within the preceding 12 months. This initiative stems from a shared vision between BYD and Mediawan that innovation, excellence, and dedication to storytelling can also be expressed through new artistic voices. For its inaugural edition, 15 international films, curated by Thierry Cheze, editor-in-chief of Premiere magazine, will be considered. None of these selected films were previously shown at the Cannes Film Festival. The award ceremony will take place on May 14, 2026, at Terrasse By Albane, an event space at the Cannes Film Festival. The winner will receive a trophy designed by Parisian designer Victoria Wilmotte and a grant of 40,000.

The jury for the first edition will be presided over by Chen Kaige, a highly respected figure in contemporary Chinese cinema and winner of the Palme d’Or in 1993 for “Farewell My Concubine.” He commented on the value of an award dedicated to emerging filmmakers at the Cannes Festival, noting the many aspiring directors worldwide. Joining Chen Kaige on the jury are: Mélanie Laurent: An acclaimed actress, director, and writer known for her roles in films like Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and her directorial work on “The Adopted” and “Breath.” Hafsia Herzi: An actress and director recognized for her performances in “The Secret of Grain” and “Mektoub, My Love: Intermezzo,” and for her directorial efforts, including a Cesar for Best Actress in 2025 for “Borgen.” Yann Demange: A French-Algerian director celebrated for his distinctive visual style in works such as “Dead Set,” “Top Boy,” and “71,” which earned him the British Independent Film Award for Best Director. The films selected for the first edition of the Build Your Dream Award are: Familiar Touch Christy And His Brother Fire On the Plain Didi Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story Honeymoon.

In The Summers Little Trouble Girls Muganga On Falling We Believe You That Summer In Paris A Sad And Beautiful World Together Truly Naked BYD’s Executive Vice President, Stella Li, stated that the Build Your Dream Award encapsulates BYD’s essence and its view of the transformative potential of dreams when given opportunity, encouragement, and concrete paths to success. She explained that this vision led to the award’s creation to recognize emerging filmmakers and provide them with the necessary recognition, visibility, and momentum for new talents to develop. BYD is recognized as the global leader in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle production. With over a decade of presence in Brazil, the company operates factories for photovoltaic modules and electric bus chassis in Campinas (SP), batteries in Manaus (AM), and passenger electric vehicles in Camacari (BA). BYD also engages in energy storage systems and rail transport solutions, including its role in developing the São Paulo metro’s Line 17-Gold monorail. By 2025, BYD surpassed 207,000 vehicles in circulation in Brazil, reinforcing its position in the energy transition and its global mission to contribute to a 1°C reduction in planetary temperature.

Mediawan: A Unique Global Platform for Top Filmmaking Talents in a Decade

Mediawan, founded in France in late 2015 by Pierre-Antoine Capton, Xavier Niel, and Matthieu Pigasse, is a leading European studio. Ten years after its creation, it has established itself as a global leader in independent production across all genres. As an integrated player operating throughout the entire value chain, from production to distribution, transmission, and diversification, Mediawan functions as a unique creative platform designed to support the world’s top talents.

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While we’re basking in the Golden Globe wins for Brazilian cinema, let’s not forget to dive into Marcus Thompson’s recent post from just last month. “After Awards, ‘The Secret Agent’ Expands to More Cinemas” (2026-01-19) shares thrilling news about the surge in popularity of Wagner Moura’s award-winning film. Following its recognition at the Golden Globes, “The Secret Agent” is now playing in over 300 cinemas across Brazil and has already captivated over a million viewers. As we eagerly await the Oscar nominations on January 22nd, make sure to check out Marcus’ article to learn more about this remarkable film’s journey and expansion: After Awards, ‘The Secret Agent’ Expands to More Cinemas. Meanwhile, in a captivating talk at Cannes 2025, Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, delved into the intricate world of video game storytelling with Jonathan Dubinski. Titled “Video Games are Still a Toddler in Storytelling,” this insightful piece Hideo Kojima at Cannes 2025: ‘Video Games are Still a Toddler in Storytelling, AI Should Be an Assist, Not a Fear’ explores how game narratives differ from cinema and the potential of AI in shaping future interactive stories. And in our last post, we discovered the innovative gameplay mechanics of Death Stranding 2. But did you know that this groundbreaking title almost never saw the light of day? Jonathan Dubinski’s latest piece, “Kojima Says Death Stranding 2 Nearly Didn’t Exist: ‘I Almost Gave Up'” (June 23, 2025), reveals Hideo Kojima’s struggles during development. From remote work challenges to cancelled casting calls, this insightful article is a must-read for fans eager to understand the resilience and determination behind Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Check it out here Kojima Says Death Stranding 2 Nearly Didn’t Exist: “I Almost Gave Up”.