Cannes 2024: why is the sector shaking as the Festival approaches?

Cannes 2024: a high-voltage festival?

The 77th Cannes Film Festival is approaching, which will begin on May 14th with the screening of the film The second act by Quentin Dupieux, two major threats weigh on the reputation of this global cinematic event. First, an explosive investigation by Médiapart (via Le Figaro) promises to reveal a list of ten influential names in the industry, all allegedly involved in sexual assault cases. This revelation shakes the backstage of the festivalwith drastic measures taken into consideration by president Iris Knobloch, who could exclude some films or characters from the competition.

At the same time, the collective “Under the screens, la dèche” announces a strike during the festival. This movement aims to protest against the growing precariousness of film professions and the recent unemployment insurance reforms that hit industry professionals hard. The festival organizers are therefore faced with this a double crisis which could disrupt the entire party.

The Médiapart investigation that shakes French cinema

In the shadow of the glitter and spotlight of the Croisette, an investigation by Médiapart shakes the sector. This investigation could reveal the names of ten personalities from the world of cinema, all allegedly involved in cases of sexual violence. The tension is palpable in a post-MeToo climate, especially after the indictment of Gérard Depardieu on similar charges. The implications of this revelation are far-reaching, with preventative measures already in the works by Festival president Iris Knobloch.

We are therefore evaluating the exclusion of the films or subjects involved from the competition, in the event of confirmation of the accusations. This has created a climate of fear among industry stakeholders, where entire teams fear their work will be overshadowed by scandals. The festival management, aided by a crisis communications agency, is preparing various scenarios react quickly in case of accusation during the festival.

These ten names would not be “seniors” but individuals between thirty and forty, very influential in contemporary cinema. No names have yet been leaked, but some would be involved in the productions expected at the Festival this year.

A strike that puts the Festival at risk

In addition to the media scandals, a call to strike was launched by the collective “Sous les screens, la dèche”, made up of technicians, projectionists and other essential festival workers. This strike movement, motivated by demands relating to job insecurity and controversial unemployment insurance reforms, promises to significantly disrupt the festival. The strikers do not question the opening or holding of the festival itself, but try to draw attention to the precarious working conditions and the absence of concrete measures despite their repeated warnings.

Both crises come at a time when the festival had begun taking steps to promote diversity and equality, in response to previous criticism of sexual harassment and abuse in the industry.

Source: Cine Serie

Ray

Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.