Our 2016 Study Abroad Film Festival grand prize winner Jordan Cain made audiences smile as he confidently danced around Europe in his film Even in Europe…. As this year’s Film Festival winner, Jordan will join our esteemed jury to select next year’s finalists!
Proof that you don’t have to be a professional with a camera to create an award-winning film while studying abroad, check out what Jordan says about the entire experience—from filming abroad to interviewing on local news stations at home.
IES Abroad: Your film took home the grand prize in the 2016 Study Abroad Film Festival. On top of that, you had several interviews on the radio and local TV about your film—something that was unprecedented for previous winners. Can you tell us what that whole experience was like?
Jordan Cain: Being able to share my film with so many people was a blast! I wasn’t expecting any of this to happen. When the opportunity presented itself to me, I was just hoping to do my best. Being in front a camera that wasn’t a GoPro was a little nerve-racking, but everyone I was able to interview with were very nice. My friends and family were very excited for me and enjoyed seeing me promoting my video.
IES Abroad: What was your most memorable moment during study abroad?
JC: My most memorable moment of studying abroad was being able to watch the Vienna State Opera perform my favorite opera: Turandot. My favorite conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, conducted that performance as well. I was overwhelmed with happiness. It was very well done, and the performance was outstanding. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
IES Abroad: Did you have much experience with film and video before this Festival? What advice would you give to current students who want to document their study abroad experience through film?
JC: I have not had any experience with film before. This was my first film. I knew how to film things, of course, but I have never edited anything, added music, or did anything of the sort.
The advice I would give to someone wanting to document his/her travels would be: Make the video with the intentions of pleasing yourself. Don’t be concerned with what other people might think about it. It is your creation, and that makes it very special and personal and that’s all that matters.
IES Abroad: Do you plan to continue making films, or will Even in Europe… go down in history as your sole masterpiece?
JC: I intend to make many more films. I just have to wait for another life opportunity to present itself and make me want to document it!
IES Abroad: What would be your one piece of advice to the 2017 Study Abroad Film Festival winner?
JC: Make the most out of the opportunities to meet and connect with new people.
IES Abroad: How would you condense the spirit of study abroad into one word?
JC: Opportunity.
