GVSU students coordinating events at Cannes Film Festival

Seventeen students in the hospitality and tourism management (HTM) program at Grand Valley State University are spending two weeks working at the Cannes International Film Festival in France.

Lorie Tuma, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management, said students are among the select few who have full access for the duration of the festival, coordinating events at The American Pavilion. They will hold official positions in international pavilions, host press panels, assist A-List celebrities and coordinate exclusive events. 

The invitation-only festival previews new films of all genres and is considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This year's festival runs from May 14-25.

"We know students benefit from international industry-related experience," said Tuma. "The GVSU program is the only sanctioned faculty-led program in the world at Cannes, and I am proud to share this experience with these 17 talented students."

For more information, contact Lorie Tuma at (989) 506-3805 or [email protected].

Students attending, their assignment in Cannes, and their hometown: 

• Amanda Witsaman, VIP terrace, red carpet - Homer Glen, Illinois

• Anne Marie Lane, VIP terrace, red carpet - Howell, Michigan

• Ashley Sierminski, sponsorship liaison - Jackson, Michigan

• Benjamin DiPiazza, VIP terrace, red carpet - Highland, Michigan

• Dallas Johnston, membership services & health/emergency services liaison

• Emma Hankey, videography & photography - Portage, Michigan

• Emma Zentera, membership services - Troy, Michigan

• Kendra Lippincott, membership services - Sagamore Hills, Ohio

• Kyle Bos, press panels & conference operations - Muskegon, Michigan

• Madison Harter, publicity/public relations - Comstock Park, Michigan

• Madison Morris, membership services - Zeeland, Michigan

• Maisie Ciullo, restaurant services - Gwinn, Michigan

• Megan Ysais, publicity/public relations - Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Neal Kelly, membership services & security - Holland, Michigan

• Olivia Thompson, conference operations (photography/videography) - Oxford, Michigan

• Olivia Witsaman - bartending & beverage services - Homer Glen, Illinois

• Na'Stochia McDaniel, pavilion programming - Grand Rapids, Michigan