Volume 16 Edition 1
Levine Connection Fall 2024
Photography, Film Festivals and World Travels: Reflections from Cannes, France by DJ Cook ’25
DJ contributed these reflections while studying abroad in Cannes, France during the 2024 spring semester. This spring, I’m spending the semester in Cannes, France, at the Collège International de Cannes. I’m participating in an affiliate provider program through AIFS. My particular program perfectly combined my interests and areas of study. I’ve studied French for 10 years, so I definitely wanted to spend a semester in a French-speaking country and work toward fluency in my second language. Cannes is famous for its annual international film festival. This specific semester abroad program coincides with the festival. Further, I study theater and film back home in Charlotte in addition to French. My coursework here
includes electives like film and theater, and I am living in a city that has a thriving arts scene. As a student of the arts, I wanted a program that allowed me to continue to immerse myself in the creative world. Back home, I also work as a lighting designer and theater technician outside of my studies, so this semester has been a unique opportunity to explore that in another cultural context. Lastly, traveling is an important personal goal of mine. A program in Europe allows for easy travel to other cities and countries. Thus, I have many opportunities to explore other cultures during my weekends and holidays.
DJ’s view of the Mediterranean Sea from his dorm.
A highlight of DJ’s trip include attending the Cannes festival.
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