University TAI at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival
June 2, 2025
As part of its commitment to the international projection of its students, TAI organizes a visit to the Cannes International Film Festival, the most prestigious film festival in the world. Thanks to the collaboration agreement between TAI And the festival, ten students received accreditations to actively participate in various sections. Accompanied by the professor and head of the film department, Fernando González, they enjoyed an unforgettable experience that combined training, industry, and cinema in its purest form.
Jimena Sánchez (3rd Year of Cinematography in Direction).
Attending the Cannes Film Festival was not only a magical opportunity to see films and enjoy cinema, but also a transformative experience. Being able to live for a few days in a kind of cinematic bubble, where everything that's talked about, seen, and consumed is this art, was a real privilege. Furthermore, we were accompanied by Fernando González, who not only made our presence at the festival possible but also gave his all to make our experience as enriching as possible. Thanks to him, we attended exclusive talks and met industry professionals who would otherwise have been out of our reach. The networking we achieved, partly thanks to him and also through our own initiative, was invaluable.
They were intense days in which we saw every film we could, with or without tickets. Our routine consisted of running from one theater to another, taking advantage of every opportunity to see new screenings. I've had the privilege of seeing restored older works as well as red-carpet premieres, so it's been a complete and diverse experience. And I can't help but highlight the time I had with my colleagues. There were ten of us, and we were divided between two houses, but we spent almost all our time together. We shared the exhaustion, the tears, the laughter, and the excitement. Without them, nothing would have been the same, and I think the festival is more enjoyable when you experience it in good company.
Diego Iglesias (2nd Degree in Cinematography).
There are moments in life that you know, from the moment you experience them, will stay with you forever. For me, attending the Cannes Film Festival is one of those indelible memories that I will cherish with great fondness.
For years, Cannes was just a distant dream, a goal that seemed unattainable. But thanks to TAIThat dream came true. Being at the world's most important film festival, surrounded by people who share my love and passion for this art form, was something profoundly special. It creates a sense of community; an invisible but powerful bond between those of us who love cinema. I lived with constant fatigue, watching five or six films a day, attending meetups, talks, and social events. But every minute was worth it. It was the first step toward this great industry. I met people from all over the world who, like me, dream of telling stories and making films.
There was a contrast I found difficult to ignore: while we were experiencing this, surrounded by celebrities and evening gowns, I was thinking about the harsh realities facing much of the world. Inequality, violence, and the social crisis are still present, and it was inevitable to reflect on the privilege of being where we were. However, I was comforted to see that many of the films in attendance didn't ignore this reality. Quite the opposite: they addressed these issues with depth and courage, raising their voices through art. I firmly believe in the power of cinema to transform, to raise awareness and bring about change. That's why this trip wasn't just a luxury; it was a responsibility. I don't intend to waste what I experienced: I want to make films with purpose, with a message, with the hope of contributing something meaningful to the world.
One of the most impactful moments was the screening of Amores Perros, which celebrated its 25th anniversary. As a Mexican, this film means a lot to me. It starkly portrays the social reality of my country, and seeing it in Cannes was deeply moving. Alejandro González Iñárritu was in the audience. At the end of the screening, he shared that it was the second time he had seen the entire film and recalled that 25 years ago, when Amores Perros debuted at Cannes, he had attended another film as a spectator, also celebrating its 25th anniversary. Now, it was his turn. And who knows... maybe in 25 years, one of us will be experiencing something similar. I'm sure this trip will mark my life forever. So I'll keep going, I'll keep creating. See you in 25 years.
