British director, screenwriter, and cinematographer Molly Manning Walker has been appointed President of the Un Certain Regard Jury at the 78th Festival de Cannes. Known for her distinct visual storytelling and exploration of social themes, Manning Walker will lead the jury in recognizing emerging voices in cinema.
Manning Walker’s debut feature How to Have Sex premiered at Cannes in 2023, where it won the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section. The film, praised for its emotional depth and unflinching honesty, established her as a vital new voice in contemporary cinema. As a cinematographer, she has worked on numerous critically acclaimed projects, balancing a bold visual style with human-centered narratives.
Joining her on the jury are French-Swiss director and screenwriter Louise Courvoisier, Vanja Kaludjercic, director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Italian filmmaker and producer Roberto Minervini, and Argentinian actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart. Together, they will award the top honors in the Un Certain Regard section, which highlights films defined by bold vision and innovation from promising new auteurs.
This year, the Un Certain Regard selection comprises 20 films, including 9 debut features. These selections continue the section’s tradition of celebrating cinematic discovery and artistic exploration.
The 2025 Un Certain Regard program will open on Wednesday, May 14, with Promised Sky by Tunisian director Erige Sehiri. The previous edition of the Festival saw Black Dog by Chinese director Guan Hu win the Prix Un Certain Regard, under the jury presidency of filmmaker Xavier Dolan.
Un Certain Regard remains a vital platform within the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival, offering a space for unique perspectives and fostering the next generation of international cinema talent.
