Students work with celebrities at Cannes Film Festival

Fourteen students studying hospitality and tourism management worked behind the scenes at the 68th annual Cannes International Film Festival in France.

The students traveled to France May 9-25, coordinating events in the American Pavilion including the Emerging Filmmaker’s Showcase, a competition which highlights the works of the next generation of filmmakers. They also organized press panels, put together marketing materials and hosted parties.

Eight of the students worked with Salma Hayek and her husband Francois-Henri Pinault at an event called "Women in Motion," presented by Pinault's clothing and accessories brand, Kering. 

Mary Greenwell, a junior from Bridgeport, was one of the students who worked that event and assisted other celebrities.

"I escorted some of the cast members of 'Inside Out' like Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Phyllis Smith when they arrived at the American Pavilion," said Greenwell.

Greenwell said gaining real-world experience at an international festival was a growing experience for her personally and professionally. 

"The whole experience was life changing. I gained a new sense of confidence when working with people," she said. "This international experience taught me how to think on my feet, negotiate a language barrier and handle stressful situations."

Kaitlyn Dunneback, a senior from Grand Rapids, worked in Membership at the Pavilion assisting with the check-in process for standard and red carpet members. She was also given the opportunity to work two outside events including the German Pavilion Party and the World Trailer Awards Yacht Party.

"I was able to interact with people from all over the world and from different cultures," said Dunneback. "I was their first impression to the festival. This helped me strengthen my customer service and problem solving skills."

Lorie Tuma, visiting professor of event management, said the students had the opportunity to not only work on their professional skill set but hear first-hand what it's like in the industry.

"It's seldom when we have the opportunity to place students in an international setting to run an event," said Tuma. "It builds their confidence level and allows faculty to create a stronger and more competitive workforce."