Stars Unite: Boycott Bolloré's Media Empire

An open letter from the French cinema world, titled "Time To Switch-Off Bolloré," has garnered international backing to protest Vincent Bolloré's expanding control over France's media and entertainment sectors. Prominent international figures such as Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, and Ken Loach have lent their names to the initiative. The letter specifically targets the Canal+ Group's recent acquisition of a substantial stake in UGC, viewing it as a move to advance a right-wing agenda.

Launched during the Cannes Film Festival, the protest highlights concerns about Bolloré's significant shareholding in Canal+. While the letter has garnered initial support from over 600 French industry professionals, responses have been mixed. Some express sympathy for the concerns, while others note a lack of current evidence for political interference in Canal+'s cinema operations.

Adding to the tension, Canal+ Chair and CEO Maxime Saada announced that his group would cease working with the letter's signatories. This statement has provoked indignation and galvanized support for those targeted, with some industry members feeling compelled to sign the letter in response. The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe also stated that the Canal+ situation exemplifies growing threats to creative freedom across Europe.