Features

The Cannes Film Festival—the most prestigious and glamorous event on the international film industry’s calendar, was held again this May in southern France and once again the School of Visual Arts was there, with its SVA Destinations: Cannes program. 

Created to reinvigorate participants’ passion for art and design through short-term, destination-based study, SVA Destinations has offered its trip to Cannes for the past several years. Faculty, programmers and students—whether studying for careers in the entertainment industry or just ardent film lovers—travel to Cannes, a city on the beautiful French Riviera, for this annual celebrity-packed extravaganza, a multi-day presentation of new films from around the world, including works from major filmmakers to first-time directors. Students receive festival accreditation and daily access to screenings of selected films, as well as opportunities to attend filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions and other events at the American Pavilion and Directors’ Fortnight.

“The Cannes Film Festival is incredible,” says SVA Executive Vice President Anthony P. Rhodes, who joined this year’s cohort in France. “It’s really more like a world’s fair and a think tank for film. Situated on the Rivera, Cannes is a beautiful place to be to enjoy as many films as you have time for. One of our students saw 25 films!”

BFA Animation student Samuel Holovacs says that he came away from the experience with a greater appreciation for the role of cinematography. “I’ve seen many fantastic films. But the ability [at Cannes] to see different film structures in foreign films made me think differently about how I could use shot types, color language and subtle dialogue to make a more satisfying and well-rounded film.” 

While the energy of the festival is thrilling—”a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” in the words of BFA Comics student Teo Suzuki—it also offers firsthand experience of the film business’s practical side—a world of making connections and hobnobbing, says Sal Petrosino (BFA 1983 Film and Video), SVA Admissions director of special projects and events—recruitment, who serves as a faculty advisor for the SVA Destinations: Cannes program.

“The students come away not only with a better understanding of how the professional film industry works after a film is completed but a stronger motivation and desire for what they want to achieve,” he says. “But also, they learn to be more comfortable interacting and networking with professional filmmakers. The most important student discovery is knowing how important it is to have the courage to share your voice, no matter how vulnerable one feels.”

BFA Animation student Ruohui Dong agrees. “This experience has undoubtedly been a valuable learning and personal development journey for me,” he said.

“I had a lovely time and will never forget this experience,” says BFA Film student Nicole Duarte. I am very grateful to have been able to attend and see part of the beautiful country of France.”

Fulfill the dream of renewing your creative spirit and breaking out of the daily grind. SVA Destinations programs are open to students, working artists, and other professionals. Learn more about what Destinations has to offer here and stay tuned for more recaps from summer Destinations trips, including the in-progress program, Design West – Ireland.