Cinema's Crisis: France and S. Korea Rally Support

French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung convened a global conference on September 2, 2024, to confront the escalating crisis in the film industry. The event, held near the French Riviera, brought together approximately 250 attendees, including industry executives and artists, to discuss threats posed by streaming platforms and artificial intelligence.

Macron announced initiatives focused on educating youth about cinema, preserving film archives, supporting independent theaters, and bolstering domestic film production. France and South Korea each committed 500 million euros ($580 million) to support filmmakers within their respective countries. The conference sought a multilateral approach, drawing parallels to the UN climate conference hosted by France a decade prior.

Discussions highlighted the significant impact of companies like Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok on traditional cinema viewing habits. Despite a notable American turnout, the industry's upheaval in Hollywood, including stalled mergers, was a sensitive topic. Organizers stressed the vital importance of a healthy U.S. film industry for global cinema health.

France, with its strong domestic film market where American films account for about 40% of box office sales, presented itself as a model for cultural resilience. The conference underscored Europe's efforts to forge stronger international links, especially during periods of perceived American disengagement. The Motion Picture Association of America endorsed a declaration calling for collective action.