Local French-Speaking Film Student Wins Free Trip to One of the World's Most Prestigious Film Festivals, Courtesy of the French Government

The San Francisco Film Society Colleges & Universities program, in partnership with the Consulate General of France in San Francisco and the French American Cultural Society, today announces the winner of the inaugural From College to Cannes contest. Emile Bokaer, who will receive an MFA in documentary film and video from Stanford University later this spring, has won a free trip this May to one of the most important film festivals in the world, the Cannes International Film Festival, as a guest of the French government.

"Emile's dual interests in language and film immediately made him a compelling candidate for this opportunity to go to Cannes," said Joanne Parsont, the Film Society's director of education. "His poise, eloquence and enthusiasm as well as his evident ability and desire to connect with the international community and to learn from other filmmakers just solidified his position as the top choice for the judging committee. We are really pleased to have such a fine and emerging young talent as the first winner of this exciting new contest."

Bokaer won the contest over 19 other applicants on the basis of his essay and his interview with a panel at the French consulate. He will be joining a group of 20 collegiate film students selected from different countries around the world to attend the Cannes Film Festival. He is just one of only two Americans who will be part of this international community of young filmmakers and cinephiles. The prize package includes airfare, nine days' accommodations (May 13 - 22) and tickets to festival screenings, parties and events.

The prize will be officially awarded to Bokaer at a reception for guests of the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival at the residence of the French Consul General, Tuesday April 27.

The Colleges & Universities program was created to support and encourage students as they prepare to transition from the academic arena to the professional world. Offering an array of creative, educational, social, financial and professional opportunities, it is a valuable bridge that connects and engages students with the Film Society and the Bay Area filmmaking community. Initiatives of the Colleges & Universities program include full-tuition scholarships to filmmaker education classes; the From College to Cannes contest; internships at the Film Society; Golden Gate Awards prescreening opportunities; SFIFF College Days; and the SFFS Speakers Bureau. For more information go to sffs.org/colleges-and-universities