When planning the last semester of my five-year journey at Quinnipiac, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public relations, I knew that I wanted to do something bold to mark the end of this momentous chapter.
When discussing my elective options with my adviser, I was drawn to the course, FTM 508: Worldwide Sales, Marketing and Distribution. Combining my passions for storytelling and travel, this course allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, explore a new industry and attend a globally renowned event that few individuals are given the opportunity to attend.
Through the course, I developed a comprehensive understanding of the film industry from creative strategy to marketing, sales agreements and global distribution. This course material was pivotal in revealing the interconnected nature of the film industry’s sectors and their essential collaboration to a film’s success and box office performance.
These lessons were crucial in preparing me to step into my internship with the Film Sales Company and the fast-paced environment of the Cannes Film Festival.
Just 24 hours after earning my diploma, I boarded a shuttle with more than 30 fellow Bobcats to head to John F. Kennedy International Airport to catch our flight.
The enthusiasm and excitement were contagious — a mix of nerves, adrenaline and anticipation — knowing that we were about to experience something extraordinary with the possibility of meeting some of our biggest inspirations.
For many students, it was their first time out of the country, and for others, it was their first time attending a global industry event of this scale.
For me personally, this trip served as the ultimate way to close out my academic career and begin my journey post-grad, surrounded by the most influential and accomplished professionals in the film and entertainment industries.
After landing in Nice, France, we went through customs and hopped on a bus to take us to Cannes.
Arriving in Cannes, we settled into our beautiful Airbnb for the week.
Nestled in the heart of Cannes, the apartment was full of charm and character, with balconies that overlooked the bustling streets below and an outdoor space with ping pong tables, a grill, a seating area under blossoming orange trees, a dining table and an outdoor shower.
I shared the space with several fellow Bobcats. Sharing this unique look at the industry with my peers was crucial to my experience as they brought warmth, humor and excitement to every part of the trip.
Stepping onto the festival site, I felt overwhelmed with joy, inspiration and gratitude for the opportunity to be a working professional at an event that many can only dream of attending.
The energy at Cannes was electric as we crossed paths with industry-leading filmmakers, producers, buyers and actors from all over the world.
During our time in Cannes, we earned the opportunity to work with companies to help us realize our career aspirations and build upon our prior experiences.
I was fortunate to work with the Film Sales Company, a New York-based firm lauded for its work with commercial and critically acclaimed, award-winning films.
With more than 20 years of industry experience, the Film Sales Company provides expertise in sales, financing and distribution in both domestic and international film festivals and markets.
Through my work with the Film Sales Company, I had the unique opportunity to attend market screenings, craft coverage, welcome guests to company screenings and capture behind-the-scenes social media content.
Working directly with the company’s CEO and leadership team I gained a front-row seat at the strategy that drives global film distribution.
Harnessing my skills and knowledge developed at Quinnipiac, I witnessed the real-world application of writing, content creation and strategic storytelling in one of the most dynamic environments in the industry.
Unlike many of the other students, I wasn't majoring in film. Despite my initial worries about my knowledge of the industry, the trip coordinator, Blythe Frank, assistant professor of the film, television and media arts and director of the cinematic production management master's program, assured me that the world of film expends far beyond the sound design and camera shots.
She taught me that marketing, public relations and business strategy are all an integral part of the system.
With her words of encouragement, I realized that my background in public relations and strategic storytelling had a unique and valuable place at the table.
Another mentor on the trip, Mary Schmitt, assistant professor of film, television and media arts, also emphasized the importance of my audience-centric perspective.
She helped me recognize that while filmmakers focus on the craft of the film, it's just as essential to consider how stories resonate with viewers. This is where my own consumption of film and public relations background became a powerful asset when predicting how films will perform in the market.
Outside of my internship experience, my fellow Bobcats and I were provided memberships to The American Pavilion, a communication and hospitality hub that brought students, professionals and emerging filmmakers together to network and connect.
The AmPav was such an integral part of my experience as I was able to attend marketing and public relations panels led by industry experts, collaborate with students from across the world, access a creative and immersive work environment and attend social events that foster both personal and professional relationships.
Beyond the business aspect of the Cannes Film Festival, I also made sure to embrace the glitz and glamour that make the experience so iconic.
With our access badges, my peers and I were able to attend movie premieres of exclusive films, including "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)" and "Eddington (2025)" by Ari Aster. Not only did we get to be some of the first in the world to view these films, but some of my peers had the opportunity to meet famous directors and celebrities, including Tom Cruise!
Gaining my own moment of fame, I was able to meet Zoey Deutch, an American actress and film producer known for her leading roles in "Everybody Wants Some!!" (2016), "Before I Fall" (2017), "Flower" (2017), and "Set It Up" (2018).
I was starstruck as I was able to chat with her and snap a quick photo.
I also got to see Elle Fanning at her red carpet appearance at the "Sentimental Value" (2025) premiere.
While the red carpets, film screenings and celebrity sightings made for unforgettable moments, I was continuously enamored by the everyday beauty of the French Riviera.
Outside of the festival, we made sure to make time to explore the stunning seaside town of Cannes, enjoying swims in the Mediterranean Sea, trying local French cuisine and practicing our French.
From indulging in the delicious French pastries at the local boulangerie to strolling the cobblestone streets, every second felt magical.
One of the highlights of our adventure was a group trip to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a serene island just off the coast of Cannes.
We spent the day exploring the grounds of the historic Fort Royal and making our way to the beach to spend our day relaxing, soaking up the sun and taking in the views of the Côte d’Azur.
We ended the last evening of our 12-day journey with a traditional French group dinner, which was the perfect way to reflect and close out our time in Cannes.
I left Cannes with far more than fond memories, industry connections and an incredible professional experience.
I left feeling optimistic and inspired as I transitioned from student to alumna.
I’m so grateful to have chosen a university that encourages its students to dream boldly and embrace every opportunity with confidence.
It is because of Quinnipiac’s commitment to experiential learning, dedicated faculty and supportive mentorship that opened the door to such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I’m forever thankful to Quinnipiac for encouraging me, believing in me and providing me with the tools, knowledge and experiences that continue to shape my future.
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