Cannes film festival continues to attract a new group of attendees in recent years, Chinese international students in the UK.
Another year warps, there is a record high attendance this year but I would like to highlight a group that is a relatively new population.
Traditionally, Chinese students study abroad mainly for STEM related subjects, there is even a stereotype that has been used by many films and tv series. But in the past 10 years or so, there has been a growing number of students who would like to pursuit a film or arts related degree. This is due to the rise of the middle class in the middle kingdom, young people want to follow their dreams and they also want to be part of the global creative community. The UK has become one of the top destinations for these students. To use one example from UCL (University of College London), thanks to its connection with British-American filmmaker Christopher Nolan, this particular university has attracted a large number of Chinese students for their Film Studies MA programme. The average cohort is about 90-100, and 90% of them are students from China.
Film festivals in Europe become an attraction for these students, not only for tourism purposes but also for its fame. Cannes is the top of that list. Chinese students in the UK try different ways to get an accreditation, so that they can experience the world’s most renowned film festival. Some of them even share their tips on social medias such as Red Note, to help others who are less experienced to go through the application.
Cannes can no doubt gain additional exposure on Chinese social medias as well as income for the city if they are in a position to accommodate this new cohort of cinema enthusiasts. However, it remains very difficult for most of these students to be approved and get an accreditation.
While each university has a quota for student attendees, most of these Chinese students are more likely to apply to the festival by themselves. In between studies and industry, they do not fall into the category as a ‘film professional’. But they do have a passion for film, and they can spend money in the city as a tourist or even merchandise.
In order to capture this population but still maintaining Cannes’s devotion to serving film professionals internationally, is there a way that the festival and the city can make the most of these international students while they are studying in the UK?
France will not be the only destination that these young film tourists visit. Because of the Schengen visa system, they will certainly be visiting neighbour European countries too which will also be beneficial for other countries’ local economy.
How to keep a balance is always a challenge in the ever-globalising world.
But Cannes continues to play an important role in showing the world how film diplomacy works, and for many countries, it remains an important advocacy. These young enthusiasts will indeed learn and take their experience back home. Hopefully and eventually, they will influence others.
