Maxime Saada, the chief executive of Canal+, has refuted claims of implementing a 'blacklist' against individuals who endorsed a petition criticizing Vincent Bolloré's expanding media presence. Saada clarified his previous statements, affirming that there would be no punitive measures against these professionals. He underscored Canal+'s pivotal role as a major financial supporter of the French film sector, asserting the company's commitment to continue its substantial investments. However, he also indicated that the company would take into account filmmakers' attitudes and past actions toward Canal+ when evaluating future projects.
The controversy originated after a significant number of film industry figures, including renowned actress Juliette Binoche, signed a petition expressing apprehension regarding Bolloré's increasing influence over French media. This included Canal+'s acquisition of a substantial stake in UGC, a prominent French exhibition chain, and a perceived shift toward a more conservative editorial line across Bolloré's media empire, particularly with channels like CNews, often likened to Fox News. The petition garnered widespread attention, leading to instances of public disapproval, such as booing during Cannes screenings when the Canal+ logo was displayed.
During a general assembly, Saada sought to temper the escalating tensions, suggesting that the petition represented only a small fraction of the broader French film community. He highlighted that despite the controversy, approximately 99% of the industry had not participated in the petition, which he characterized as an attack on Canal+. This sentiment was echoed by Cyrille Bolloré, Vincent Bolloré's successor, who dismissed allegations of a 'neo-fascist' agenda as entirely unfounded.
Saada stressed that while there would be no explicit 'witch hunt' or refusal to collaborate with technicians who signed the petition, the company would consider the level of respect and potential harm caused by individuals to Canal+ when assessing future project proposals. He articulated a pragmatic approach: if individuals have publicly denounced Canal+ and then seek funding, the company reserves the right to decline. This stance aims to safeguard Canal+'s integrity and reputation, which Saada argued were unfairly targeted by the 'fascist vision' accusations.
Beyond addressing the immediate controversy, Saada also utilized the assembly to highlight Canal+'s ongoing commitment to financing French cinema. He proudly stated that Canal+ annually supports approximately 100 films, with many of these productions potentially not realizing without the company's backing. He cited examples of successful films supported by Canal+ and reiterated their voluntary commitment to invest significantly more than their contractual obligations in French and European cinema. Furthermore, Saada unveiled plans for international expansion and new content strategies, including adaptations of popular novels and remakes of classic films, alongside an aggressive growth strategy for MultiChoice in Africa, focusing on reducing costs and expanding sales to bolster African storytelling.
Ultimately, Saada aimed to reframe the narrative surrounding Canal+, portraying it not as a monolithic entity controlled by a singular political agenda, but as a crucial pillar of the French and European film industry, dedicated to fostering diverse cinematic projects while prudently navigating relationships within the creative community. The company’s financial contributions and future strategic initiatives were presented as integral to its enduring role in media and entertainment, emphasizing a balance between commercial objectives and cultural support.
