In a collaboration between Colgate University, Quinnipiac University, and The Gotham Film and Media Institute, a new program is opening doors for students at the Cannes Film Festival. This multifaceted program is an example of the new opportunities coming to life as part of Colgate’s commitment to arts, creativity, and innovation
Before this new model, students attended pre-existing programs at Cannes, gaining valuable but limited exposure.
Recognizing the potential for a richer, more rigorous experience, faculty and administrators developed a program offering deeper industry immersion and academic engagement.
“We sent students the two prior years through a different program,” explained Mary Simonson, Daniel C. Benton ’80 Endowed Chair in arts, creativity, and innovation; professor of film and media studies and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. “They had good experiences, but we wanted more. We wanted an experience that was intense and rigorous, and that gave students real exposure to the industry.”
The first cohort participated in summer 2024, with five students representing Colgate. This year, seven students will join a group totaling 42 across all institutions.
At Colgate, the program is open to rising seniors, with an internal application process managed through the Film and Media Studies Program. Majors receive priority consideration, although minors and exceptional applicants outside the department are also eligible. The selection process is competitive, but the goal remains to accept as many well-prepared candidates as funding allows.
The program spans approximately ten days during the Cannes Film Festival. Every student receives a coveted “marché badge,” providing access to festival screenings and to the Marché du Film, the largest industry market event associated with Cannes.
“The ‘marché badge’ is for people within the industry, basically. It's unusual that a student would get access,” Simonson noted. “Students have access to the market where all the companies are buying and selling films, making deals, pitching new ideas.”
Students attend screenings, panel discussions, special events, and technology showcases that recently have highlighted innovations such as AI. They experience the festival not only as audiences but also as emerging industry participants.
“We make sure that every student is placed in an internship,” said Simonson. “Sometimes they work with sales and distribution companies, sometimes with production companies, and this year, even with a couple of talent agencies. It’s an important part of the program.”
Innovative alternative internships are also offered, such as writing film criticism or researching the social impact of films.
“We want to make sure the internships are meaningful, students are sitting in on meetings, asking questions, and not just getting coffee,” Simonson emphasized. “We aim to pair students with strong partners and give them real industry exposure.”
Harper Hollander ’25, a participant from last summer’s cohort, reflected on the experience:
“I’m still amazed that I got the opportunity to attend Cannes last year,” Hollander says. “I worked with MPX and got the opportunity to sit in on global film distribution deals. My favorite part of the experience was learning about film from a global perspective and being introduced to the international side of the film industry.”
Beyond the internships, private meetings with industry leaders are coordinated through The Gotham. In past years, students met representatives from companies like Netflix, Focus Features, and United Talent Agency. These sessions offer rare opportunities for mentorship, networking, and first-hand industry insights.
The program was created to offer a more intensive and thoughtfully curated experience.
“Faculty are there leading conversations and meeting with students to process what they’re experiencing,” Simonson said. “Through The Gotham, students also get these really intimate sessions with industry leaders, which gives them extraordinary access to advice and mentorship.”
The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation has supported the first two years of this program by contributing startup funding and thought partnership. “Programs like this are an example of the potential of the Middle Campus Initiative for Arts, Creativity, and Innovation,” said Carolyn Strobel-Larsen, director, entrepreneurship and innovation. “Our office looks for opportunities like this to support faculty partners in developing new, innovative opportunities for students. These collaborations can result in transformative interdisciplinary experiences that complement what students are learning inside the classroom.”
This year’s program cohort leaves in just a few days, poised for another round of immersive experiences and insider insights.