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NEWS

Cannes Film Program: Program Guidelines

Since 1989, The American Pavilion has been the focus of the U.S. film industry’s presence at the Cannes International Film Festival. Serving as a communications and hospitality center for journalists, publicists, celebrities, filmmakers and motion picture executives working at the Festival, The Pavilion is centrally located on the beach beside the Palais des Festivals (the main Festival venue for screenings and special events) and the Marché du Film, the Cannes Film Market, which boasts 3,959 companies from 101 countries.

For the past 23 years, The American Pavilion has offered film students the chance to participate in its Student Program, an internship/educational program that takes place at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Students who are accepted stay in Cannes for the duration of the Festival (May 16th to 27th, 2012; the Program itself runs from May 13th to 28th), completing a work placement and participating in educational workshops, seminars, pitch sessions, roundtable discussions and screenings.

Past roundtable discussions have featured noted filmmakers such as Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, Jude Law, Michael Moore, and Brett Ratner. Each Program participant (approximately 150 per year) is allowed access to the Festival and Film Market— otherwise available only to industry professionals.

Prior to the start of the Festival, students participate in a three-day Festival orientation and tour of Cannes. During this time students attend workshops and seminars designed to help them gain a greater understanding of the business side of the film industry. Once the Festival begins, students start their six-hours-per-day work placements with The American Pavilion (which can include the restaurant, bar, coffee bar, conference center and business center), with one of our sponsors, or with other companies doing business at the Festival. All students have the opportunity to meet and interact with industry professionals, observing firsthand the fast-paced nature of the Festival and Market.

This internship/educational program is unique and highly competitive, and Early Decision applicants have an increased chance of acceptance. Early Decision applicants also have the option of paying the program fee in two installments instead of one.

Building on the success of the previous 23 years, The American Pavilion looks forward to offering students selected for the 2012 Program a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the most prestigious film festival in the world.