Study Abroad Film Festival
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IES Abroad Student Stories on the Big Screen.
We figured there's no one better to tell the story of study abroad than our phenomenal students, so in 2014 we launched our Study Abroad Film Festival (the first in the industry of its kind!), which asks students to capture the spirit of study abroad—both what it meant to them, and how it redefined their world.
How to Vote
- Click the “Select” button on your favorite film
- Now, scroll down and add your email address (note: you can vote once per email address)
- Click the “Submit Your Vote” button for your vote to count
- Spread the word! Share the contest with family and friends to help your favorite student film win the Grand Prize of $1,500.
Join Us on November 7th!
For the past 5 years, our Film Festival has encouraged IES Abroad students to capture the spirit of study abroad—what it meant to them, and how it redefined their world.
Join us on November 7th, 2019 for an extraordinary night of study abroad film screenings, a live announcement of the winning film, and a meet-and-greet with student filmmakers, alumni, and our award-winning jurors, all in benefit of IES Abroad scholarships. RSVP on Facebook for updates and reminders.
Film Festival Schedule:
6:30 p.m. | Doors open
7:00 p.m. | Study abroad film screenings, Q&A with student Study Abroad Film Festival Finalists, and a live reveal of the winning film
8:30 p.m. | Awards Reception
Initial Review
IES Abroad staff bring their popcorn and tissues and spend hours watching and whittling down student film submissions. Staff check that films meet contest requirements, and select the pool of Semi-Finalists to be sent to the international jury.
Jury Review
Our highly esteemed jury from around the world watch and score all Semi-Finalist films. The top three student filmmakers are then invited to Chicago for the official Film Festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
You Vote!
The Finalist films are announced at the beginning of October and public voting opens for the month. The film with the most votes is announced as the Grand Prize Winner at the Study Abroad Film Festival on November 7, 2019 in Chicago and receives $1,500.
The Film Festival Jury brings their talent and expertise as screenwriters, writers, producers, directors, and editors—as well as a passion for study abroad. The jury is comprised of accomplished IES Abroad alumni and film studies-related faculty from our Centers.
Year after year we are awed by how thoughtful and talented our student filmmakers are. From poignant music videos to compelling documentaries, our students stop short of nothing to creatively depict their experiences from abroad.
Grab a comfy seat, give these films a watch, and get inspired about study abroad. We hope to see your film on the big screen next!
We've always known that our students tell the story of study abroad the best, that's why we're so thrilled with the recognition our Film Festival has recieved since it began in 2014.
Study Film Abroad
Could your homework win you $1,500?
Students on any of our programs are welcome to compete in the Study Abroad Film Festival, but when you study film abroad your class project can become your festival submission!
Check out our range of programs that offer courses in film studies and film production.
