South African born Marie-Claire Hardy had been a University of Memphis student for two years before deciding to travel to Lille— a French town close to the Belgium border— to become an exchange student.
Before graduating in May, Hardy will debut her thesis, a short film, at the third annual Student Film and Video Festival Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Muvico Peabody Place 22.
The short film— five minutes 10 seconds, to be exact— was mostly shot in France last semester.
An Adventure Abroad is an informative piece about different students from all around the world studying in France and their experiences, Hardy said.
“I talked to people all over the world— Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Mexico, Belgium—all over,” Hardy said.
The short was shot on a digital camera that cost close to $4,000, she said.
The film focuses on the number of students who choose to study abroad, according to Hardy.
“I had a great time in France, and it was great because it was a direct exchange with The U of M,” Hardy said. “So tuition, room and board was the same price as I would have spent here.”
Besides learning a lot of French, Hardy said the learning environment in France was similar to the academic community here at The University.
“They don’t use textbooks in France, and it feels like there are a lot of younger students. Also, there was only one class per week,” she said.
According to Hardy, this year’s festival will host various works such as comedies and documentaries from students.
Last year it was almost three hours worth of material, Hardy said.
“And it’s free for students, so you should go,” she said.
