Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ Topics:
Cannes Student Programs
Emerging Filmmaker Showcase
SXSW Intensive
Venice Intensive
AmPav Alumni
GENERAL STUDENT PROGRAMS QUESTIONS
How are you addressing COVID-19 for this year’s programs?
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 Festival organizations and their respective governments.
I’m an international student. May I apply?
Yes. The American Pavilion welcomes international applicants. We only require 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 you are planning to attend.
I’ve already graduated from college. May I apply?
Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in college to apply.
Can I get school credit for the program?
Yes. Many students have received internship credit for our programs. 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.
Do I need a current passport to apply to your programs abroad?
We do not require proof of a valid passport to apply, but accepted students must provide a copy of their passport before the program begins. 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.
Do I need a visa for any of the programs abroad?
FRANCE & ITALY: Americans and Canadians do not need a visa to travel to countries within the Schengen area (including France & Italy) for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will require a travel authorization (ETIAS). We will share more info once ETIAS goes into operation.
If you are not a US Citizen, you should refer to the 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.
AUSTRALIA: All non-Australian citizens must obtain a travel visa through the ETA app. You can find more info here.
What is included in program fees?
All program fees include festival accreditation, housing, breakfast, exclusive programming, and more based on the individual program. Airfare and meals outside of breakfast are not included.
If I pay the program fee and later am unable to attend, can I get a refund?
No. All fees are non-refundable. Festival accreditation is nontransferable, meaning that if a student drops out, their Festival badge cannot be used for another student.
I’ve applied to your programs before. Can you use my original application and consider me again?
No. You will need to reapply in full.
Do you offer scholarships or other financial aid?
No, but if you need help with funding your trip, please refer to our fundraising ideas page.
CANNES STUDENT PROGRAMS
What programs do you offer at the Cannes Film Festival?
• Film & Business
• Hospitality & Event Management
• AmPav Alumni
• Cannes Intensive (Week 2 Program)
• Cannes Culinary Program
We also host the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase
How does Cannes Intensive differ from the other programs?
Cannes Intensive is a shorter, immersive program during Week 2 of the Cannes Film Festival. Since there is no internship component, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in screenings, roundtables, panels, and other events.
Do I need to be a filmmaker to apply to the Film & Business program?
No. No film experience is necessary. If you are a filmmaker, you may consider submitting to the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.
Do I need culinary experience to apply to the Culinary program?
You do not need a lot of experience, but your application must show an interest in culinary arts.
Do I need to speak French to apply?
No. Although it doesn’t hurt, English is the only language required.
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, conscientious students who are interested in the film and entertainment, hospitality and events, or culinary industries, 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.
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.
*You might also consider participating in Cannes Intensive which takes place during Week 2 of the festival!
EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
Do I need to be a participant in The American Pavilion Worldwide Student Program to submit a film to the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase?
No. The showcase is open to all student filmmakers, graduate students and emerging filmmakers.
Can high school students apply to the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase?
Yes, but you must be 18 years old in order to secure Cannes Film Festival accreditation and to attend The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.
Is the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase the same as the Short Film Corner?
No. The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase is a separate program from the Cannes Short Film Corner. If you wish to also submit your short to the Short Film Corner, you must do so separately only through the Cannes Marché’s submission portal.
Do you provide accommodations?
No. We suggest securing accommodations walking distance from where the Cannes Film Festival takes place. (Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes)
What are the dates for The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase?
The Emerging Filmmaker Showcase always takes place during the second week of the Cannes Film Festival. Exact dates and finalists will be announced May 1.
SXSW INTENSIVE
I see that the SXSW Festival ends on March 15, but the SXSW Intensive ends on March 11. Can I stay longer?
Yes. Your festival accreditation will last for the entirety of the SXSW Festival and you are welcome to stay longer, but will need to get your own housing if you stay past the 11th.
VENICE INTENSIVE
Do I need to speak Italian to apply?
No. Although it doesn’t hurt, English is the only language required.
AMPAV ALUMNI
What does it mean to be AmPav Alumni?
If you have participated in any of our student programs since 1989, you are considered AmPav Alumni! If you haven’t joined our private Facebook and LinkedIn Alumni groups, please email us at studentprograms@ampav.com so we can send you an invite.
What are the benefits of being AmPav Alumni?
Lifetime membership in The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, alumni mixers in LA and NY, discounts on most AmPav programs, career development opportunities, and more.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Attend a Zoom Q&A
Sign up for a Zoom Q&A session to chat in person with someone from our Student Programs team!
Contact us
Email us at studentprograms@ampav.com or call 310-837-4500