Go to the Cannes Film Festival with IndieWire

For students and emerging filmmakers looking to break into the entertainment industry, there’s no better learning experience than going to the Cannes Film Festival, the premier event on the annual film calendar. And applicants looking to attend with IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking at The American Pavilion (AmPav) have until February 25 to apply for what promises to be a life-changing experience.

The Cannes Intensive gives applicants the chance to experience the festival as true insiders, attending screenings, panels, roundtables, and other networking events that provide access to industry leaders and the artists behind the films. For those seeking additional firsthand experience, the Cannes Student Program offers film, media, business, hospitality, PR, and journalism students the opportunity to complete a four-hour-per-day internship with a company operating at the festival in their desired field.

The American Pavilion Worldwide Student Program, now officially part of IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking, has brought students together with industry leaders at Cannes for over 35 years. Programming at The American Pavilion will also feature IndieWire writers and editors.

The American Pavilion student group at Cannes 2025Randall Michelson

The Cannes programs include an industry-only festival badge, housing accommodations, transportation to and from the Nice airport, American Pavilion membership that grants access to all AmPav/IndieWire programming, and a variety of student-only events designed to maximize networking opportunities. As the only student program officially sanctioned by the Cannes Film Festival, it allows you to meet like-minded students from around the world who could become tomorrow’s industry decision makers — all against the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera in springtime.

The Cannes Student Program runs from May 10-24, 2026, while the Cannes Intensive prioritizes the second week of the festival, running from May 17-24.

The extended deadline for IndieWire and AmPav’s Cannes programs is Wednesday, February 25. The application for both programs can be found here.

Filmmakers can also submit their short films on FilmFreeway for the chance to screen at The American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes until February 21.

IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking student programming is not limited to Cannes, as applications for intensives at SXSW, SXSW London, and the Venice International Film Festival are also open now. More information can be found on the AmPav website.