Jordan Firstman whipped out something unexpected at the Cannes Film Festival — pure sincerity, with his triumphant directorial debut “Club Kid.” The movie premiered to instant acclaim from movie critics and a hugely-enthusiastic six minute standing ovation from the audience inside the Théâtre Claude Debussy, during which Firstman cried, kissed co-star Diego Calva and lifted up his younger co-star to big cheers from the crowd.
Playing in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival, “Club Kid” follows a washed-up New York City party promoter who is forced to turn his life around when an unexpected visitor arrives. Beyond Firstman, the comedy-drama also stars Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva, Miss Benny and newcomers Reggie Absolom and Eldar Isgandarov.
Firstman is largely known as a comedian and social personality who lives unapologetically — young, gay, ravenous for substances, sex and human connection. With “Club Kid,” he proved to the premiere audience that he’s got depth beyond a New York City dance dungeon.
Before the screening, he got the crowd riled up with laugher inside the theater by introducing the movie and joking about the Debussy theaters name. The director and star quipped: “What an honor to play in the Debussy theater. I love Debussy. I can’t get enough of the Debussy. I could live in Debussy. And I can’t wait for my film to screen in Debussy.”
Firstman is best known for his skits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as TV roles including Rachel Sennott’s “I Love L.A.,” “Ms. Marvel,” “English Teacher” and a guest appearance on “Hacks.” He has previously written and directed two short films, 2016’s “Call Your Father,” which premiered at Sundance Film Festival, and 2017’s “Men Don’t Whisper.” He also starred in Sebastián Silva’s black comedy thriller “Rotting in the Sun” (2023), in which he played himself. Last year, he released his debut comedy album, “Secrets,” which was based on confessions his followers sent to his Instagram account and subsequently went viral.
“Club Kid” marks Firstman’s first time at Cannes Film Festival.
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