Canal+ Chairman Says He Will Not Work with Petition Signatories
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Canal+ chairman Maxime Saada stated he no longer wants the company to work with the approximately 600 film professionals who signed a petition criticizing media mogul Vincent Bolloré's influence. The petition, titled 'Zapper Bolloré', expressed concerns over Canal+'s acquisition of a stake in theater chain UGC and a perceived editorial shift. An industry source indicated the group will not change its editorial policy or actively 'track down' signatories, though exceptions may apply.
Facts First
- Canal+ chairman Maxime Saada said he will not work with the signatories of a petition criticizing Vincent Bolloré's media influence.
- Approximately 600 film professionals signed the 'Zapper Bolloré' petition, which also criticized Canal+'s 34% stake in theater chain UGC.
- An industry source stated Canal+ Group will not change its editorial policy or actively pursue the signatories, with possible exceptions.
- Canal+ is financing six films at Cannes and has pledged €480 million in investment through 2027 under its current agreement.
- Vincent Bolloré's holding is the largest shareholder in Canal+ Group, with a 30% stake.
What Happened
Canal+ chairman Maxime Saada stated at a producers luncheon in Cannes on Sunday that he no longer wants Canal+ to work with the signatories of a petition titled 'Zapper Bolloré' (Switch-Off Bolloré). The petition, signed by approximately 600 film industry professionals including Juliette Binoche and Arthur Harari, criticizes media mogul Vincent Bolloré's influence over French media. It specifically criticizes Canal+'s acquisition of a 34% stake in theater chain UGC and expresses concerns about a perceived rightward shift in the group's editorial line ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Saada's comments were a response to Harari's recent interview in the Libération newspaper.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a viewer of French cinema or news, this dispute may influence the types of films and news coverage you see. Canal+ is a major financier of French films and its news channel CNews is currently France's most watched. The company's editorial direction and investment decisions could shape the media landscape. For film professionals, Saada's statement may create uncertainty about future funding opportunities, though an industry source indicated the group will not broadly 'track down' the signatories.
What's Next
An industry source stated the Canal+ Group will not change its editorial policy, though exceptions may apply to filmmakers whose debut features were funded exclusively by Canal+. Saada confirmed the company holds a 34% stake in UGC and noted it is possible Canal+ could take control of UGC in 2028. Under its current three-year agreement, Canal+ has pledged to invest €480 million through the end of 2027, suggesting continued significant financial support for the film industry.