I chose this internship because it aligned closely with both my academic and personal interests. I was eager to explore how film festivals bring people together and create dialogue across communities. I also wanted to strengthen my practical skills in event coordination, communications, and audience engagement.
Vision Mediterranean is dedicated to showcasing Mediterranean cinema and promoting cultural dialogue through film. Throughout the summer, we organized EUSFF and ICFF. These festivals not only brought international films to diverse audiences but also fostered connections among community members, businesses, and cultural organizations.
As an intern, one of my main responsibilities was assisting with audience engagement and outreach. I helped design and distribute surveys to measure the social, cultural, and economic impact of our screenings, ensuring we could gather data to demonstrate the value of the festival to the community. I also contributed to promotional efforts, preparing communications that highlighted upcoming screenings and encouraged attendance. During the screenings themselves, I assisted with event coordination, welcoming guests, supporting the setup of equipment, and liaising with local vendors.
From my minor in Italian Studies, I was able to take courses in Italian language and culture that helped me understand the broader significance of our cultural events and better connect with our audience. Meanwhile, my training in research methods proved essential in designing surveys and analyzing responses precisely. I also drew from my coursework in writing when preparing promotional content.
Some of the highlights of my internship included engaging directly with the community at Parc Dante. I especially enjoyed seeing how the festival brought together families, students, and longtime residents of Little Italy to share in the experience of watching films outdoors. Growing up with Italian heritage, it was especially heartwarming to see how close-knit our community is.
Of course, there were challenges as well. At first, I struggled to approach people in a way that encouraged participation without being intrusive. Over time, I developed strategies to introduce myself warmly, explain the purpose of the survey, and emphasize how their input would directly benefit the festival. This experience improved my interpersonal skills and taught me the importance of adaptability in professional settings.
Once again, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Arts Undergraduate Improvement Fund for its generous support. This internship has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to Vision Mediterranean.