The festival has begun and I am gradually getting my bearing on both the layout of the “International Village” (The collection of buildings in which the festival takes place) and the business operations that take place within it. The Pallait (French for theatre) is the seven story building with over thirty screening rooms including the Lumiere Theatre where the world premiers take place almost every night. The Marche (market) holds all of the film companies’ booths where they promote their collection of films made this year in hopes of being purchased by distributors. The success of these sales depends very heavily on the unspoken game of impressions and networking. Witnessing it for myself, I really am surprised how almost every social event is a strategic marketing tactic. Every night the beach is lined with exclusive parties and events. It creates such a magical atmosphere, and it is unlike anything else to witness such a glamorous side of the industry. But my favorite part of the day has been my time off in the afternoon where I can wonder the Pallait from screening to screening to see some of the most imaginative and resounding films I have ever seen. Inspiration is everywhere here, and it’s been fueling my creativity in a way that nothing else has before.