Why did you choose the ILCF as your place of study?
When I was in Iran, I met some friends who lived in Lyon and were studying at the ILCF. They were really satisfied with the programs. From what they told me, the classes are well organized. The ILCF also organizes activities for students that are both fun and educational, and that really appealed to me.
What were your expectations before coming to France?
Before arriving, I was afraid because I had heard that the French were very arrogant and didn’t really engage with foreigners. Fortunately, the people of Lyon are actually very kind and friendly. The city’s architecture is also completely different from what I know in my country — it’s truly amazing.
And maybe what I’ll never forget is the Fête des Lumières. I had heard about it from my friends back in Iran, but I didn’t expect such a spectacular show. It was a unique and beautiful experience, and I’m sure that no matter where I am during that time of year, I’ll come back to Lyon to experience it again in all its splendor.
What surprised you the most when you arrived in Lyon?
At first, I thought the city would be dirty and the metro would be really old. But in reality, the city was very clean and beautiful. Another thing that really surprised me was that people blow their noses in public — something that would be considered super rude in Iran! That was definitely my first cultural shock.
Your film reflects the experience of an international student. Tell us more about this project and what inspired it.
During my first few weeks here, I was really trying to express my emotions. I was looking for ideas and themes that could reflect my reality. One day, Pouya [a fellow Iranian student at the ILCF and the lead actor in the short film] said to me, “You could write something about my birthday.”
I think the first thing every immigrant thinks about is: “How will I spend my birthday all alone, without my loved ones?”. I believe this short film could become a common language for all international students — something they can really relate to.
Read the article about the short film here.
