Canal+ CEO Confirms Boycott of Films Harming Group's Image

Maxime Saada, the CEO of Canal+, has firmly reiterated his company's policy of withholding funding from films whose creators actively harm the group's image. This stance, initially articulated during the Cannes Film Festival, was confirmed on Tuesday, July 28, following a significant five-year agreement for Canal+ to invest €980 million in French and European cinema between 2028 and 2032.

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We will not finance their film if they harm the image of our group.

The controversy first erupted in May at Cannes when a petition denouncing the "growing influence of the far-right" in cinema, implicitly targeting Canal+'s major shareholder Vincent Bolloré, gained traction. In response, Saada declared that Canal+ would no longer finance films by the petition's signatories, a statement that initially sparked accusations of creating a "blacklist."

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I remember everything.

Speaking on Tuesday, Saada maintained his position, stating, "I remember everything." He clarified that the policy affects only "1% of the people who signed this petition." His core message remains consistent: "If people harm the image of Canal+, we will not finance their film." He described this consideration as natural and expected.

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It's 1% of the people who signed this petition. I remain on my position, which is that if people harm the image of Canal+, we will not finance their film.

Saada emphasized that this selective funding approach does not alter Canal+'s broader commitment to diversity within French cinema. He highlighted that the recent financing agreement specifically prioritizes diversity, first-time directors, new talents, and animated films, underscoring the company's continued dedication to a varied cinematic landscape.

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We have insisted on diversity, first films, new films, new talents, animated films.