Story perspectives

Jordan Firstman's “Club Kid” Earns Cannes Ovation, Viral Kiss

5/16/2026

Summary

Jordan Firstman Debuts

Jordan Firstman premiered his debut film “Club Kid” in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, earning a six-minute standing ovation.
During the applause Firstman cried, kissed co-star Diego Calva, lifted 13-year-old Reggie Absolom, creating a moment that went viral on Instagram.
Afterward Firstman led a chant for Absolom, joked about “living in Debussy,” while some ticket holders were turned away and the on-stage kiss sparked online commentary.

Summary

Firstman Shoots

Firstman filmed “Club Kid” on 35 mm in a 26-day New York shoot, capturing six club scenes.
Cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra rendered Manhattan’s lost-era grit, treating the city as a character.
Producers Alex Coco and Galen Core secured financing from Topic Studios and A Real Pain.
Casting director Lucy Bevan cast 13-year-old Reggie Absolom after scouting UK talent.
The film lacks a U.S. distributor, although its style is often compared to A24 releases.

Summary

Firstman Under Fire

Critics say the film functions as a self-promotional vehicle that showcases Firstman's softer side and effortless parenting.
Reviewers note that Peter’s drug admission is quickly softened, presenting an easy recovery.
Eldar Isgandarov portrays squatter Nicky, an elfin character who delivers many of the film’s funniest lines.
Reviewers frame Club Kid as a call for intentionality, urging viewers to slow down and seek consciousness instead of chasing “cool.”

Summary

Firstman Cannes Debut

Jordan Firstman arrived at Cannes after the opening-night gala and called the red-carpet “true glamour.”
He gained internet fame with pandemic-era impression videos, including a satirical banana-bread publicist sketch.
He told Vanity Fair that writing his Cannes debut script was a “great heartbreak” after ending a relationship.
Cannes is a venue where a poor reception can stall a film’s sale, while a showing can launch a career, citing Jane Campion and Alejandro Iñárritu.

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Jordan Firstman Debuts

Jordan Firstman premiered his debut film “Club Kid” in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, earning a six-minute standing ovation.
During the applause Firstman cried, kissed co-star Diego Calva, lifted 13-year-old Reggie Absolom, creating a moment that went viral on Instagram.
Afterward Firstman led a chant for Absolom, joked about “living in Debussy,” while some ticket holders were turned away and the on-stage kiss sparked online commentary.

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