Jordan Firstman's debut feature film "Club Kid" has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival [1, 2].
The selection marks a transition for Firstman, who serves as the writer, director, and star of the project. The film's focus on club culture aligns with the programming goals of the Un Certain Regard category, which typically highlights original and daring works [1, 2].
One of the film's most notable achievements is securing the approval of pop star Rihanna. Firstman bet the opening scene of the movie on one of her songs, and Rihanna granted permission to use the track [1, 2].
Production for the film took place in real New York nightclubs to maintain authenticity to the setting [2, 4]. The final cut of the movie has a runtime of 126 minutes [4].
The premiere has generated industry interest. Multiple eight-figure offers for the film have been received during the festival [5].
Firstman's approach to the project combined a risk-heavy strategy regarding music licensing with a commitment to location-based filming. The result has positioned the film as a standout surprise of the May 2026 festival run [3, 4].
“Jordan Firstman's debut feature film 'Club Kid' has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival”
The combination of a high-profile music endorsement from Rihanna and multiple eight-figure offers indicates that 'Club Kid' is being positioned as a major commercial asset. By leveraging authentic New York club locations and a strategic soundtrack, Firstman has successfully transitioned from short-form content to a feature-length project that appeals to both prestigious festival curators and high-value distributors.
