Carla Simón to Lead Short Films and La Cinef Jury at 79th Festival de Cannes

Cannes, France – April 28, 2026 – Renowned screenwriter and director Carla Simón has been appointed to preside over the Short Films and La Cinef Jury for the upcoming 79th Festival de Cannes. The announcement, made today, highlights Simón’s significant contributions to contemporary cinema and her commitment to fostering new talent.

Simón will lead a distinguished panel of international film professionals, tasked with awarding the prestigious Short Film Palme d’Or and the three La Cinef prizes, which recognize outstanding student films. The jury will evaluate 10 films in the Short Films Competition and 19 films selected for La Cinef.

In a statement, Carla Simón expressed her enthusiasm for the role:

“A short film is a whole universe. In just a few minutes it can leave a lasting mark forever. Created in freedom, driven by artistic risk, and above all infused with soul, it reconnects me with the essence of cinema and the excitement of first times. Even for those who work in feature filmmaking, the short form remains a vital space for experimentation and renewal. I am deeply honoured to serve as President of the Short Films and La Cinef Jury, and grateful for the opportunity to discover new voices and be transformed. Returning to Cannes is, once again, an adventure, a dream and a privilege.”

The Esteemed Jury Members

Carla Simón will be joined by a diverse group of talents from the global film industry:

Juror Biographies

Carla Simón(President)
Born in Barcelona in 1986, Carla Simón is a leading voice in contemporary Spanish cinema. Her autobiographical debut feature,Summer 1993 (2017), garnered numerous accolades, including three Goya Awards. Her second feature, Alcarràs (2022), won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale and represented Spain at the Academy Awards. Her third feature, Romería (2025), was presented in the Official Competition at the Festival de Cannes.

Park Ji-Min Born in Seoul, Park Ji-Min is a French-Korean actress and visual artist. She made her critically acclaimed film debut in Return to Seoul (2022), earning a César nomination. She has since appeared in several films and series, including The Little Sister by Hafsia Herzi and Love Me Tender by Anna Cazenave Cambet, both presented at the Festival de Cannes.

Ali Asgari An influential figure in Iranian cinema, Ali Asgari is known for his precise portraits of contemporary Iranian society. His short films have been selected at major festivals, including Cannes. His feature films include Disappearance (2017), developed at La Résidence of Le Festival de Cannes, and Terrestrial Verses (2023), presented in the Un Certain Regard section.

Salim Kechiouche French actor and filmmaker Salim Kechiouche began his career at fifteen. He has collaborated with notable directors such as François Ozon and Abdellatif Kechiche, starring in the Palme d’Or-winning Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013). In 2023, he made his directorial debut with L’Enfant du Paradis.

Magnus von Horn Swedish director and screenwriter Magnus von Horn studied film in Poland. His first feature, The Here After (2015), explored themes of reintegration. His film Sweat (2020) received the Cannes 2020 label, and The Girl with the Needle (2025) premiered in Cannes in Competition and was nominated for the Golden Globes and Oscars.

Festival Dates

The 79th Festival de Cannes is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026.