Cannes, April 29, 2025 — British filmmaker Molly Manning Walker has been appointed President of the Un Certain Regard Jury at the 78th Festival de Cannes. Known for her bold and emotionally resonant storytelling, Manning Walker will head a prestigious international jury that includes French-Swiss director Louise Courvoisier, Vanja Kaludjercic of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Italian filmmaker Roberto Minervini, and Argentinian actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart.
This year’s Un Certain Regard section will spotlight 20 films, including nine debuts from emerging directors, continuing its tradition of championing bold voices and cinematic innovation. The section will open on Wednesday, May 14, with Promised Sky, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri.
In 2024, Black Dog by Guan Hu claimed the top prize under the leadership of Jury President Xavier Dolan.
Reflecting on her return to Cannes, Manning Walker shared:
“It’s such an honour to return to Cannes as the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury. This selection will forever hold a special place in my heart. Being a part of it really changed my world. I can’t wait to discover the films at the epicentre of new cinema.”
She added:
“Right now more than ever I feel that cinema is so key to bringing us together and allowing us to feel, to connect with each other. To escape, wonder and learn about each other. I’m excited to go on this journey with the other Jury members as I know it will be one hell of an adventure escaping into these filmmakers’ worlds.”
The Un Certain Regard section remains one of Cannes’ most dynamic platforms for storytelling that challenges conventions and introduces new global talent to the world stage.