Two Bentley University students attended the world-renowned Cannes International Film Festival in France as part of an elite group of students selected to participate in The American Pavilion Film Program and International Business Program from May 8 to 23.

"The opportunity reflects Bentley's commitment to provide students with an education that integrates business and liberal arts," says Liz LeDoux, senior lecturer in English and media studies and director of the Media and Culture Labs and Studio. LeDoux has helped develop and grow Bentley's popular media programs.

In recent years, the highly competitive internship program has specifically targeted international business students as participants, according to LeDoux. "The program previously focused on attracting film students, but interest and accomplishments of undergraduate business students from Bentley over the past several years helped to break ground for business student inclusion in The American Pavilion model.

This year's Bentley participants were:

• James Ferguson - Weston, Mass.; Class of 2011 (fall); Liberal Arts major in English and Media Studies with a concentration in Media; accepted into filmmaker program.

• Casey Zmudzinski - Hopewell Junction, NY; Class of 2012; Information Design and Corporate Communication major and Liberal Studies major with a concentration in Media Arts and Society; accepted into business program.

During the program, participants completed a work placement and participated in educational workshops, seminars, pitch sessions, roundtable discussions and screenings. Past roundtable discussions have featured noted filmmakers such as Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, Jude Law, Michael Moore, and Brett Ratner. Each program participant (approximately 150 per year) is allowed access to the Festival and Film Market -- otherwise available only to industry professionals. Prior to the start of the festival, students participate in a three-day orientation and tour of Cannes. During this time students attend workshops and seminars designed to help them gain a greater understanding of the business side of the film industry.