Jordan Firstman’s ‘Club Kid’ Ignites Cannes with Seven-Minute Standing Ovation
The 79th annual Cannes Film Festival witnessed an electric moment on Friday, May 15, 2026, as Jordan Firstman made his directorial debut. His film, Club Kid, received a thunderous seven-minute standing ovation following its world premiere in the festival’s prestigious Un Certain Regard selection.
Firstman, who served as the writer, director, executive producer, and lead actor, shared the spotlight with his co-stars, including Diego Calva and Cara Delevingne. The 126-minute feature marks a significant transition for Firstman, moving from his established success in television comedy to the world of independent cinema.
A Dream Realized: The Premiere Experience
Before the screening, Firstman leaned into his comedic roots, joking with the audience and referencing a viral New York meme about the absurdity of social climbing in the fashion and party scenes. He noted that the meme—which featured a can of soup—inspired a line in the movie, allowing him to finally say, “Thank you, the Cannes.”
The humor continued after the film, as Firstman playfully mispronounced the name of the Cannes Debussy theater, referring to it as “Da-Bussy” and claiming he “can’t get enough” of the venue.
Inside ‘Club Kid’: Plot and Personal Themes
Club Kid tells the story of a washed-up party promoter whose life is upended by the arrival of an unexpected visitor: his 10-year-old son. The film explores the complexities of the New York nightlife scene, focusing on the necessity of cultivating kindness both for oneself and within one’s community.
Firstman clarified that the film is not a condemnation of those who enjoy the party lifestyle or drug use, but rather a study of timing, and growth. He described the protagonist as a man who has either overstayed his welcome in that world or never discovered another option.
“I’m critiquing certain aspects, but I’m not taking shots,” Firstman said regarding his depiction of the party scene. “To me, what I’m saying about the party scene is that there is a moment for it, and you can outgrow it.”
Authenticity on Film: 26 Days in New York
To capture the raw energy of the city, Firstman shot Club Kid on Kodak 35mm film. The production took place over 26 days, filmed inside actual New York City clubs. Firstman noted that the production gained access to exclusive spaces that are typically closed to cameras, leveraging his own personal connections and presence within the community to secure the locations.
From Comedy Writer to Director
While Club Kid is his feature debut, Firstman is a veteran of high-profile comedy. His writing credits include Search Party and The Other Two, and he served as a consulting producer on Big Mouth. As an actor, he has appeared in several acclaimed projects, including:
- Hacks
- I Love LA
- Dave
- Rotting in the Sun
- You People
A High-Pedigree Production Team
The film boasts a strong production backbone. Alex Coco, who won an Oscar for best picture for producing Anora, produced the film alongside Ryan Heller and Michael Bloom of Topic Studios, and Galen Core of Lurker.
The executive production team includes Firstman, Ian Stratford, Charles Croft, Jasmine Daghighian, Olmo Schnabel, and Daniela Taplin.
Key Takeaways: ‘Club Kid’ at Cannes
- Reception: Earned a seven-minute standing ovation at its world premiere.
- Festival Section: Premiered in the Un Certain Regard selection.
- Technical Specs: Shot on Kodak 35mm over 26 days in real NYC clubs.
- Core Plot: A party promoter’s life changes when his 10-year-old son arrives.
- Lead Cast: Jordan Firstman, Diego Calva, and Cara Delevingne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed ‘Club Kid’?
Jordan Firstman wrote, directed, and starred in the film, while also serving as an executive producer.
What is the runtime of the movie?
The film has a runtime of 126 minutes.
Where was ‘Club Kid’ filmed?
The movie was filmed on location in real clubs across New York City.
With a successful debut at Cannes, Club Kid positions Jordan Firstman as a versatile creative capable of blending sharp social critique with genuine emotional depth.