Since 2022, the #ATELIER, in cooperation with La Semaine de la Critique of the Festival de Cannes, has offered a creative space designed to sharpen and broaden the perspective of emerging filmmakers on the international film landscape. Since last year, the emerging talent initiative FIRST STEPS has joined as an additional partner: 16 filmmakers nominated for the FIRST STEPS Award are invited to gain in-depth insights into the international film and festival world during the festival. In Hamburg, they meet a representative of La Semaine de la Critique as well as two international first-time directors whose films, after their world premiere in Cannes’ renowned parallel section, are also presented at FILMFEST HAMBURG. This three-day event in Hamburg is part of the FILMFEST HAMBURG INDUSTRY DAYS and offers filmmakers not only networking opportunities on site, but also direct access to the international film industry.