Maxime Saada, head of Canal+, declared the studio would blacklist over 600 cinema professionals who signed a petition against the influence of the studio's right-wing billionaire owner, Vincent Bolloré.
Industry Backlash
The open letter, published earlier this week, was signed by more than 600 French industry figures, including actors Juliette Binoche, Adèle Haenel, and Swann Arlaud, as well as directors Sepideh Farsi and Arthur Harari. The letter criticized Bolloré's right-wing politics and his growing control over the French film industry.
“Leaving French cinema in the hands of a far-right owner,” the letter stated, risks “not only the standardization of films, but a fascist takeover of the collective imagination.”
Bolloré's Expanding Empire
Through his Bolloré Group, Vincent Bolloré is the largest shareholder in Canal+, France’s top pay-TV company, and its subsidiary Studiocanal, Europe’s leading film production company. His media empire includes CNews, a French news channel criticized by leftists for allegedly supporting far-right voices.
The letter was prompted by Canal+ plans to take full control of UGC, France’s third-largest cinema chain. The signatories equated this move to a “fascist takeover” of French cinema, warning that Bolloré’s expanding media empire could allow him to control the entire film production process.
Saada's Response
Speaking at the Canal+ producers brunch in Cannes on Sunday, Saada called the petition “an injustice towards the Canal teams committed to defending the independence of Canal+.” He added, “I will no longer work; I no longer wish Canal to work with the people who signed this petition.”
Saada felt the letter implied the Canal+ teams were “cryptofascists.” “Well, I don’t want to work with people who call me a cryptofascist,” he stated.
Bolloré's Denial
In a 2022 senate hearing, Bolloré denied using his media holdings to promote any political or ideological agenda, asserting he is solely interested in profit and enhancing French soft power globally.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/canal-ceo-blacklist-talents-oppose-billionaire-owner-1236598133/
