French film industry at risk from the far right, say actors and directors
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- 600+ cinema figures signed an open letter in Libération during Cannes, warning that Bolloré's dominance could lead to a “fascist takeover of the collective imagination”.
- Bolloré owns a media empire that includes CNews, Europe 1, and Le Journal du Dimanche, and is close to far‑right politicians, drawing left‑wing criticism.
- Paris prosecutors opened a legal investigation into alleged racist remarks on CNews targeting Saint‑Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko.
- Over 100 writers quit Grasset in protest of Bolloré’s control of its parent Hachette Livre, citing an ideological war against cultural authoritarianism.
- Canal+, owned by Bolloré, took a stake in cinema chain UGC and plans full ownership by 2028, giving him control over film financing, distribution, and exhibition.
Why it matters: French filmmakers and independent producers risk losing creative autonomy as Bolloré’s control of Canal+, StudioCanal and a planned 2028 UGC takeover concentrates financing, distribution and exhibition in one far‑right‑aligned hand, limiting film diversity.
