For 29 years, the Young Director Award has been at the forefront of discovering and celebrating emerging directorial talent and grown into a global platform shaping the future of the production industry.
In 1998, the CFP-E (Commercial Film Producers of Europe, now EPA) — created the Young Director Award along with its then President and henceforth Honorary Chairman François Chilot.
Since then, YDA has helped launch the careers of countless directors and established itself as an essential meeting point between new talent and the production world. It remains the most loved and authentic fringe event of Cannes Lions, carrying its steadfast values for the sake of a better future for young directors and the industry at large.
As we step into 2026, to continue thriving and serving the next generation of talent, we must broaden our base of support.
We are aiming to raise €40,000 by December 20th to move forward with the 2026 Edition — producing the annual event in Cannes, sustaining the modest team that keeps YDA alive year-round, and ensuring global visibility and outreach to film schools and young talent everywhere.
With your help, YDA can remain a trusted, authentic independent platform for emerging filmmakers worldwide.
Please also consider becoming a YDA sponsor to support the Award in the most meaningful way — and be fully recognized for your contribution.
If you cannot contribute directly, you can still make a difference: spread the word, share this campaign, and encourage others to join.
Perks
With this €500 Supporter Pack, you’ll receive:
-
YDA Supporter Badge (digital) — a symbol of your solidarity with young directors, perfect for your email signature or website.
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Recognition in dedicated shots article — your company name featured in a dedicated article celebrating everyone who stood behind YDA 2026.
-
2 tickets to the YDA Cannes Winners Screening (June 2026) — tickets will be delivered closer to the event.
💡 Please note: At checkout, you will see an optional tip for FundRazr — this goes to the platform, not YDA, and can be set to zero. Processing fees, however, are deducted from your payment by Stripe; covering them ensures YDA receives your full intended contribution.
Highlights
See all activity82FAQs
Where will the money be spent?
Every
contribution goes directly to keeping YDA alive and evolving:
producing the annual event in Cannes, sustaining the small team that
works year-round, and ensuring global visibility and outreach to film
schools and young talent.
What are the FundRazr tip and processing fees?
At checkout, FundRazr may invite you to add an optional tip to support their platform. This tip goes directly to FundRazr, not to YDA, and you can adjust it or set it to zero — your support for YDA remains unchanged. Processing fees, on the other hand, are deducted directly from your contribution by the payment processor (Stripe). By choosing to cover these fees, you help YDA receive your full intended donation.
What do I receive for my contribution?
As a token of our gratitude, you’ll receive two tickets to YDA 2026 Winning Films Screening in Cannes. the Official YDA Supporter badge. And if the campaign is successful, your name will be featured in a dedicated article in shots, celebrating all those who stood with us.
Who can I contact with more questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Please send any questions, comments, or suggestions to valeria@youngdirectoraward.com
Activity
With this €500 Supporter Pack, you’ll receive:
-
YDA Supporter Badge (digital) — a symbol of your solidarity with young directors, perfect for your email signature or website.
-
Recognition in dedicated shots article — your company name featured in a dedicated article celebrating everyone who stood behind YDA 2026.
-
2 tickets to the YDA Cannes Winners Screening (June 2026) — tickets will be delivered closer to the event.
💡 Please note: At checkout, you will see an optional tip for FundRazr — this goes to the platform, not YDA, and can be set to zero. Processing fees, however, are deducted from your payment by Stripe; covering them ensures YDA receives your full intended contribution.
