When in France...
These are just a few things I wish I knew become coming to France and embarking on the journey that is the Cannes Film Festival. Next time you're planning a trip to France use these guide.
...you go to the Cannes Film Festival!
- · You may hear that you have to lie to impress festival attendees, but seriously you don’t. I said I was a journalist sent by my university to analyze films, which is way better than saying that I was a director, producer, etc. It’s easier that way, especially when professionals start seeing other UGA students.
- · Business cards are great! Get them if you can, but if you can’t it’s no big deal. Get other people’s cards.
- · Ladies, when it comes to dressing up for the red carpet, ball gowns (aka old prom dresses) are fine but so are shorter elegant dresses. Don’t stress or spend a bunch of money on a new dress.
- · - Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp will save your life! I met so many people who were from other countries and I stayed in touch with them through these apps.
- · Don’t question the badge. You will literally be able to get almost everywhere, so go to as many things as you possibly can.
- · - Please go to the short films corner and panels! If there’s anything I wish I could have attended more panels for sure.
- · The AMPAV is where it’s at! The thing that shocked me the most about AMPAV was the amount of non-Americans that relaxed there. Also don’t be afraid to sit with people you don’t know.
- · Begging for tickets suck! With that being said you should at least do it once. The ticket that’s probably worth trying to get is the Opening Ceremony or the Closing Ceremony. The other films that are premiering will show the next day so it’s no big deal if you don’t get a ticket for them.
- · Morning premiers (usually 8:30AM or 11:00 AM) are a bit easier to get into in. Standing in the Last Minute line for these films is better than begging for tickets.
- · Staying hydrated is a huge deal! During the festival it will feel as if you are dying from thirst. You should never have to buy water. There are water jugs placed near most of the theatres in the market, drink it! There is also free bubbly water in the Palais. Also if you become close with the AMPAV staff, you could possibly get water for free!
...you feast:
- · Free refills do not exist! I repeat: Refills DO NOT exist in France. You must be content with a standard can and a glass of ice.
- · At any restaurant if you don’t say Tap Water you will be charged for that bubbly stuff, and it’s not as great as tap water to be honest.
- · Food proportions are small.
- · Baggetts = life for the French. Get used to not having regular sandwich bread. And a panini is still in Baggett form. Just a heads up!
- · The food stands near the festival (closest to the beach) are pretty cheap and can be filling.
- · Back in Juan, hit up the Casino supermarket and get the 2 Euro sandwiches and bring them to the festival if you want to save money. Also get a Casino card to save a few Euros (it’s free! It’s kind of like a Kroger plus card)
- · Go to the restaurants in Juan as well! Most people fell in love with Pan & Cake, Master Burger (the purple stand), Pouse Pouse, and La Bodega.
- ·The Steak N’ Shake in Cannes is worth trying at least once.
...you say merci, a lot, but some people don't and that's okay!
·
People
are bold. No people are very bold. Be very prepared! While on the trip someone
was asked why she was so small (because it’s assumed that all Americans are fat
for some reason!) Someone was also asked if they owned any guns (because
obviously all Georgians love guns…)
·
People
will come up to you and start speaking French. Politely state that you speak
English. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, nicely say Bonjour and
proceed to speak English. Most people speak English pretty well.
...you get used to the slow life!
·
People
will walk like they are taking a Sunday stroll in the park.
·
People
will also stop in the middle of the road without any warning. Get used to this
quickly.
·
Smoking
= life for the French. You will be asked for a cigarette, and a light more than
once. You will have smoke blown in your face. Find a way to deal with it.
...you save that money, but also spend it!
·
So
you have to manage your own money. No biggie! Set aside a couple of hundred
dollars (about $500) and you will be absolutely fine. Add money to your account
only when needed.
·
In
order to save money, I bought breakfast from Casino (cereal, bagels, fruit). I
also bought pasta and sandwich ingredients. I tried to spend money on either
lunch or dinner each day, but never both.
·
Also,
when it comes to taking taking taxis back from Cannes, try to get as many
people in the taxi as possible.
·
Ubers
are also a great alternative to catching taxis, because they can get expensive.
There are 9 person Ubers available. Get those! Make sure you don’t catch an
Uber near the festival or the taxi stands.
...you have fun!
·
Find
a local or a well-seasoned festival attendee. They are very wise and know what
to do and where to go.
·
It’s
limiting when you’re depending on other people to go out with you. Try to do a
few things on your own!
·
Please,
please, please travel to the surrounding cities. Nice is seriously one of the
best places to be. Their H&M and markets are worth checking out.
·
Ladies!
You must go to Zara, H&M, and Pull & Bear.
·
Go
out in Juan at least once with the group! They have a few cool places to go. A
nice alternative is the beach. It’s pretty fun at night!
