Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - The American Pavilion

How are you addressing COVID-19 for this year's program?

Adherence to all COVID-19 safety protocols will be required. Depending upon conditions at the time of travel, this could include proof of vaccination/boosters, masking, and/or frequent testing. We will keep participants updated regarding policies and safety measures put forth by the French State Department and the Festival organization.

I’m an international student. May I apply?

Yes. The American Pavilion welcomes international applications; we require only that applicants speak English and are 18 by the time the program starts.

I'm a high school student. May I apply?

Yes; high school students are welcome to apply as long as you are 18 by the start of the program.

I’ve already graduated from college. May I apply?

Yes; you do not need to be enrolled in college to apply.

Do I need to speak French to apply?

No, although it would be a plus. English is the only language required.

Do I need a current passport to apply?

We do not require proof of a valid passport to apply, but accepted students must provide this soon after their acceptance. We highly recommend applying for a passport at the beginning of the application process; it can take up to six weeks to obtain one. A good place to start is the US Department of State website or try calling your local post office. Please keep in mind your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure from the US.

I’ve applied to the program before. Can you use my original application and consider me again?

No; you will need to reapply in full.

Can I get school credit for the program?

Many students have received internship credit for the program. If you are interested in obtaining credit, you will need to speak to your school about the correct procedure.

I can’t stay for the whole program. May I come late or leave early?

No; participants must attend the entire program.

My finals conflict with the program dates. What can I do?

This is a common issue since the Cannes Film Festival always takes place in May. We recommend talking to your individual professors to come up with an alternative to sitting traditional finals (e.g., taking them early or late, writing a paper instead, getting an “incomplete” and finishing any pending projects when you return). We are also happy to write a letter confirming your acceptance or speak to any professor about the matter.

If I’m accepted and later am unable to attend, can I get a refund of the program fee?

No. Festival accreditation is nontransferable and we are allotted a limited number of badges each year, meaning that if a student drops out, their Festival badge cannot be used for another student.

I am not from the US. How do I get a visa to travel to France?

First you should refer to Schengen Visa Info website to see if you require a visa. You will need to contact your respective government organization that handles visas as requirements vary. We are happy to assist you with this process (such as writing a letter confirming acceptance), but getting any required travel documents is entirely the participant’s responsibility.

Why do you need my photo to consider my application?

Photos are not considered as part of the application. We request them so that if accepted, we can start the process of getting a participant’s Festival accreditation badge as soon as possible.

Photo should be ID-style, of face only, with a light background and no headwear or other items/people in the photo. File should be a jpeg under 1mb.

If accepted, will I get paid for my internship assignment in Cannes?

No; the internships are non-paying. However, if you are in a service placement (e.g., serving food or drinks), you are welcome to keep any tips you receive.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

Mature, independent, hard-working students who are interested in the film and entertainment industry, or hospitality and events, will benefit greatly from the program. Cannes is what you make of it, so to flourish in our program, you need to be someone who makes things happen instead of waiting for them to happen.

Ability to collaborate with other students and staff in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Commitment to participate in a challenging internship program
Flexibility and an outgoing personality

If I'm accepted, when and where do I arrive?

Participants arrive on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). It is recommended you arrive between 12:00pm to 5:00pm, as check–in at the residence can take a while, but we will pick you up from the airport anytime you arrive on Sunday. Please keep in mind that if you are flying from the US, you will most likely depart on Saturday to arrive on Sunday.

Participants leave Cannes on Sunday, May 26, 2024. You may depart at any time on Sunday, but will have to check out of your room that morning.

If accepted, participants are responsible for travel arrangements to and from Nice, France.

Do you offer scholarships or other financial aid?

Unfortunately we do not have any scholarships or financial aid. If you need help with funding your trip, please refer to our fundraising ideas page.

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Cannes Film Festival Student Programs