From Cannes to Chicago: Bringing the American Pavilion Student Program to Loyola

Students in the School of Communication will have the opportunity to participate in internships, attending panels and roundtables, and networking events at the Cannes Film Festival, thanks to the work of two SOC professors. 

Professors Elizabeth Coffman and Miguel Silveira recently returned from Cannes after securing a partnership with the American Pavilion Student Programs (AmPay), offering Loyola students unparalleled opportunities in the world of film and media. 

"We succeeded beyond our expectations and starting next year students will have the opportunity to attend the Cannes Film Festival through the AmPav program," Silveria said. 

(From left to right) Loyola professors Zbigniew Banas, Miguel Silveira, and Elizabeth Coffman with Zbigniew's partner, Beata, and Silveira's partner, Missy at the 2024 Cannes Film Fest.

The American Pavilion Student Programs are known for providing more than just internships. They offer hands-on experience, direct access to industry professionals, and invaluable networking opportunities with peers from universities worldwide. For Loyola students, this means participating in internships, attending panels and roundtables, and networking events, all while immersing themselves in the world's largest film market. 

 "We are also working with Michael Bremer from the American Pavilion. It’s both educational and market-based, involving instructional elements and business activities like funding distribution and development," Coffman said. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only learn about the creative side of the film industry but also understand the business dynamics that drive it, Coffman said. 

The program’s expansion includes prestigious festivals such as Venice, Sydney, and Austin, alongside Cannes. Students will have the chance to deepen their understanding of film festivals and the film industry as part of The American Pavilion’s Venice Intensive, explore the future of tech and innovation at the SXSW Sydney Intensive, and gain insights from thought leaders in film, tech, and music at the SXSW Austin Intensive. These experiences promise to be transformative, providing students with a competitive edge in the global film industry. 

Silveira's personal journey to Cannes underscores the profound impact of such opportunities. 

"In 2007, as a young undergraduate from Columbia College Chicago, I participated in a similar program. This experience was invaluable and positioned many of my peers in significant industry roles," he said. B "Being part of the pavilion gives students access to the largest film market in the world. As interns, there’s the potential for them to be placed in internships with distribution companies, attend screenings, and meet filmmakers from around the globe," Silveira said. 

Coffman also pointed out the inclusive nature of this initiative. 

"Anyone interested in being part of the program we just established can join, whether they are filmmakers, journalists, advertisers or environmental scientists," she said. This inclusivity aligns with Loyola's Jesuit mission of providing access and opportunities to all students, ensuring they can compete and excel in the industry.