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Canal+ asserts dominance over French cinema with new mandatory credit
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Culture & Society

Canal+ asserts dominance over French cinema with new mandatory credit

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Canal+ now requires films it finances to include the credit 'With the essential support of Canal+.'
  • This formulation, imposed while the company reduced its investments, highlights its significant influence over French cinema.
  • Canal+'s chairman stated the company will not finance films that harm its image, referencing concerns about far-right influence.

A subtle but significant shift is underway in French cinema, marked by the new credit appearing at the beginning of films financed by Canal+: "Avec le soutien essentiel de Canal+" (With the essential support of Canal+). This phrase, though seemingly straightforward, underscores the powerful grip the broadcasting group holds over the French film industry.

Canal+ remains the primary financial contributor to many French films, a position bolstered by its privileged place in the media timeline, granting it a six-month window to show a film after its theatrical release. This advantage is a point of contention with streaming giants like Netflix and Disney.

With the essential support of Canal+

— Canal+The new mandatory credit for films financed by the group.

The imposition of this new credit occurred even as Canal+ announced a reduction in its annual investments for 2026 and 2027. This move demonstrates the company's ability to dictate terms within the industry, even when scaling back its support. Maxime Saada, the head of Canal+, confirmed a new five-year agreement, pledging €190 million from 2028 to 2030 and €205 million for 2031 and 2032.

If people harm the image of Canal+, we will not finance their film.

— Maxime SaadaChairman of Canal+, addressing concerns about the company's image and financing decisions.

Saada also addressed the controversy surrounding the group's principal shareholder, Vincent Bolloré, and accusations of far-right influence. He stated unequivocally, "If people harm the image of Canal+, we will not finance their film." He asserted that Canal+'s investment in a film is not guaranteed and that the company has the right to choose its projects, while also affirming a commitment to diversity in its productions.

The "essential support" label serves as a stark reminder of the sector's dependence on Canal+. Critics view the phrase as potentially insulting to other funding bodies like the CNC and regional councils, and its grand, almost monarchical tone reinforces Canal+'s central role. Regardless of public outcry, the formulation solidifies the company's status.

We will never change our diversity policy.

— Maxime SaadaAffirming the company's commitment to diverse productions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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