For most, the Cannes Film Festival is a paparazzi-filled event experienced through photos or videos of big-name actors and directors on the red carpet.
However, in addition to the glitz and glamour, the prestigious 12-day festival also offers an unparalleled international networking opportunity for film industry members.
Among this year’s attendees was Kareena Mehta ’22.
In February 2019, Kareena acted in the short film Shadows by Indian director Sandesh Motwani. She played the role of a young mother grieving the loss of her children.
“The film highlights the theme of mental health, specifically, schizophrenia. It was an absolutely incredible and eye-opening experience that taught me a lot about the film industry,” says Kareena.
For her work in the film, Kareena was awarded Best Young Actress in a Leading Role by the South Cinematographic Academy Film and Arts Festival. Shadows has been nominated for and won a number of other awards in various film festivals around the world and will be available to the public later this year.
Prior to her role in Shadows, Kareena, who is from Mumbai, India, was in several high school productions with experience as part of both the cast and the crew. She also studied theater as part of the International Baccalaureate program. She’s currently taking an Acting For Film course at the New York Film Academy in New York City.
Kareena plans to major in psychology at 91´«Ă˝ and to continue taking courses in theater and film.
“The reason 91´«Ă˝ stood out was because of the level of trust shared amongst the students, faculty, and staff at the College,” Kareena says about her decision to attend. “I knew 91´«Ă˝ would help instill faith in my abilities and create a positive environment for my peers and me to thrive in.”
"With the Honor Code and the autonomous way of life within the student body, I was confident that I would be more aware and independent, in a social, academic and personal environment. I was most intrigued by the sense of trust and agency that seeped into every aspect of the community. The students’ role is not limited to their ability of taking advantage of the curriculum or the extracurriculars offered, but to actually create, impact and change them." -- Kareena Mehta '22 on choosing 91´«Ă˝.