11 films in total, 7 competing films that hail from Argentina, Taiwan, America, Belgium, France, Egypt, and Brazil. 

One week ahead of their unfurling in Cannes, here’s the intriguing titles I’ll be keeping my eyes on:

1. Locust, by KEFF

As the 2019 Hong Kong protests erupt across the strait, Zhong-Han, a silent twenty-nothing in Taiwan, leads a double life – working at a family restaurant by day, and running with a group of local gangsters by night. But when the ownership of the restaurant changes hands, it sets off an unexpected chain reaction that forces Zhong-Han to witness and confront the corrupt power games of his country.

2. Blue Sun Palace, by Constance Tsang

The romantic relationship between a man and a woman in the Chinese community of Queens is disrupted by a sudden disappearance, thus cementing a new, unexpected bond. Rooting her story in a massage parlour staffed with Chinese migrants, Constance Tsang created a beautiful melodrama that explores the feelings of loss, displacement, and exile. With a touching cast, which includes the brilliant Ke-xi Wu, Lee Kang-sheng (Tsai Ming-liang’s favourite actor), and Haipeng Xu, this modern and personal reinterpretation of great tales of grief and loss moves us with its deep and potent tenderness.

3. Les Reines du drame (Queens of Drama), by Alexis Langlois

A lesbian musical on the pitfalls of celebrity that doubles down on a passionate, glittery and cheeky love letter to cinema. 2055. Steevyshady, an overly botoxed Youtuber tells their idol’s mad destiny: we follow pop diva singer Mimi Madamour from the very peak of her career in 2005, all the way down to the pits of hell, a downfall brought about by her love story with punk icon Billie Kohler. For half a century these drama queens have sung their passion and their rage high upon a stage.

4. The Brink of Dreams / Les Filles du Nil, by Nada Riyadh & Ayman El Amir

In a remote village in southern Egypt, a group of girls rebel by forming an all-female street theater troupe. They dream of becoming actresses, dancers and singers, challenging their families and villagers with their unexpected performances. Shot over four years, The Brink of Dreams follows them from childhood to womanhood, facing the most crucial choices of their lives.

5. Julie Keeps Quiet, by Leonardo Van Dijl

As the star player at an elite tennis academy, Julie’s life revolves around the game she loves. When her coach falls under investigation and is suddenly suspended, all of the club’s players are encouraged to speak up. But Julie decides to keep quiet…

6. Simon de la montaña (Simon of the mountain), by Federico Luis

A coming-of-age story that follows the ebbs and flows of a young man’s borderline personality disorder as he desperately seeks connection. Simon is 21 years old. He introduces himself as a mover’s helper. He claims not to know how to cook or clean the bathroom, but he does know how to make a bed. Recently, he seems to have become a different person…

7. Animale, by Emma Benestan

Camargue, France – Infamous for its traditional bull race, an exhilarating and graceful challenge of agility and respect between man and beast. Surrounded by men, 22-year-old Nejma trains hard to fulfill her dream of winning the upcoming annual competition, but news of a rogue and violent bull on the loose terrifies the community. Young men are being murdered everywhere, and the beast is nowhere to be seen.