Jacory Martin F24 Took His Passion for Film Studies All the Way to Cannes

We spoke with him about his first year at Hampshire and how it encouraged him to embark on an international adventure.

What brought you to Hampshire?

Before my time at Hampshire, I went to an alternative school called Boston Day and Evening Academy (BDEA). The school was competency-based, which meant I could move at my own pace, and the classes were usually small. I learned a lot about myself and adulting there. It reminds me of Hampshire, where interdisciplinary learning and teaching are also a priority. Over the last several decades, many BDEA students (especially artists) have gone on to Hampshire, and eventually that became my path, too.

What did you plan to study? Has that changed?

In the beginning, my intention was to focus my concentration on interactive digital media, especially around user experience and interactive environments. After a major foundational year, I was drawn to film, particularly international cinema, expanding the ways I approach creative practice and storytelling.

Are there any faculty or staff members who have been particularly inspiring and/or supportive?

I would love to highlight Eliza Gelinas from Media Services, Assistant Professor of Experimental Film and Media Michelle Trujillo, Professor of Film and Photography Abraham Ravett, and Alejandro Cuellar, who works in the Writing Center. These individuals have really shaped my time here at Hampshire College thus far and have helped me deepen the connection between myself and my work as a student, creative, and person. 

What are your favorite things to do?
I love traveling, whether that be locally, domestically, and (newly) internationally: meeting new people, trying different foods, learning new cultures. In addition to that, I’m a huge fan of live entertainment — music, art exhibitions, dance, sports, plays. On my own time, I love reading. I’m a fan of nonfiction, and I particularly enjoy books on metaphysics and creativity. 

What’s been the most memorable part of your college experience so far?

In the spring of 2025, I attended the Cannes Film Festival through student accreditation connected to my film studies. My partner, who had attended the past two years through her work in social media marketing and film industry partnerships, introduced me to the festival community. That semester, I happened to take Nonfiction Film with Abraham Ravett and Global Cinemas with Eva Rueschmann. Although I had experience in acting and production, these courses expanded my understanding of film by exposing me to diverse narratives and ultimately new and global perspectives.

One of my goals in studying film has been to see it not only as entertainment but also as a cultural force that can potentially preserve and reflect history, and these experiences definitely fulfilled that goal in every way possible. Cannes, which was also my first trip abroad, deepened my sense of purpose in the arts and showed me the power of international exchange and collaboration in a way I still have yet to fully wrap my head around. From the ocean views and French cuisine to the films themselves, the experience was truly life-changing, and I look forward to returning next year.