Canal+ 'blacklist' threat fuels tensions in the French film industry
Tensions have escalated in the French film industry following remarks by Canal+ head Maxime Saada at the Cannes Film Festival. Saada threatened reprisals against 600 industry figures who signed a letter criticizing the influence of conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré. The situation has prompted responses from various cinema leaders, including calls for moderation and concerns over freedom of expression.
- ▪Maxime Saada warned of possible reprisals against 600 film industry figures who signed a critical open letter.
- ▪The letter denounces the growing influence of the far right in cinema due to Bolloré's ownership.
- ▪The collective of signatories has grown to include over 1,000 names, including notable actors and directors.
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At the Cannes Film Festival, May 18, 2026. MARKO DJURICA/REUTERS The head of Canal+, Maxime Saada, sparked outrage at the Cannes Film Festival after warning on Sunday, May 17, of possible reprisals against the 600 film industry figures who signed an open letter critical of conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, Canal+'s main shareholder. The letter, published on May 11 in Libération, has drawn support from leading names across French cinema. Signatories include actors such as Juliette Binoche, Adèle Haenel, Blanche Gardin, Anne Consigny, Louise Chevillotte, Clotilde Hesme, Sergi Lopez and Samuel Kircher, alongside directors Dominik Moll, Nicolas Klotz, Louise Hémon, Arthur Harari and Raymond Depardon.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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