I was all set to go to Cannes in 2019 through the “3 Days in Cannes” young cinephiles’ program, right when the pandemic struck and thwarted my plans. That’s why I leapt at the opportunity to apply for this inaugural USC x Cannes collaboration. As a cinephile who closely follows Cannes news every year, I have dreamt of going to Cannes for a long time, so I’m immensely excited and grateful for my first chance at the mere age of 22 and at the festival’s diamond jubilee.
My favorite director Hirokazu Kore-eda is making his splashy return to the Croisette after winning the Palme d’Or in 2018, so I’m definitely most looking forward to that. I’m also excited for new films by Park Chan-wook, Mia Hansen-Løve, João Pedro Rodrigues, and many more. And of course there is the Cannes Classics section premiering brand new work by the film restoration industry, which I also casually follow. I’m sure this will be a Cannes to remember for life!
– Justin
I applied for the Cannes Classics Program simply because I love movies! I had been to the Toronto Film Festival twice before with my mom, and was looking for an excuse to go to Europe this summer since I was graduating. Watching movies has always been a passion of mine, and I’m very excited to get to watch both new and restored movies in such a glamorous space filled with film-lovers. I’m excited to go to the screenings and spend time walking around the city. I’ve been told eating in cafés is the best thing to do when you’re in France.
– Ben
I have been passionate about watching classic films since high school — I can still remember watching countless old movies in the school cafeteria that probably deserved better than my crumb-filled Chromebook screen. Some great cinema magic made it through those crumbs, though, and sparked an interest in classic movies that continues to this day. Going to Cannes is a dream come true, especially to write about this section of movies, because film preservation and restoration is very near and dear to my heart. I am most excited to see La Maman et la Putain (which I’ll be watching for the first time!) and Singin’ in the Rain (which I’ll be watching for the eight millionth time!). For the Competition films, I’d love to get the chance to see Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness or David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future if I have the time. I’m excited to work with such brilliant students this summer!
– Graham
The moment I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the world of cinema was when I attended the Cinema Ritrovato film festival in Bologna in the summer of 2017. I had never experienced films in such an exciting, unique, and immersive environment and learned a lot about what a film festival can offer. I enriched my film knowledge not only by attending panels with filmmakers and interviews with film critics, but also by sitting outside, in the main plaza at night to watch newly restored films from Jean Vigo with a live music performance from the orchestra. These unique memories pushed me to apply to the Cannes Classics program, and I hope to further my learning experience outside the classroom and to satisfy my appetite for international cinema.
– Isa