Why Cannes is the largest film festival in the world? Because politics has never stayed outside the palace gates. Contrary to the appalling remarks of Wim Wenders, president of the 2026 Berlinale jury, who believes that cinema should “stay out of politics,” Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook, president of the Cannes jury, states that “artistic work has a political message.” This requirement is in the DNA of the Cannes festival. It was created by the Minister of the Popular Front Jean Zay (assassinated by Pétain’s Milice on June 20, 1944, at the age of 39) against the drift of the Venice Film Festival, which rolled out the red carpet for Nazis and fascists in 1938. The war prevented its holding in 1939 and its first edition, in 1946, showcased the resistance with “La Bataille du Rail,” awarded for direction and by the jury.
Essential works
80 years later, resistance continues in the present. But the power of cinema is not lost on those in France who support an ultra-right “civilizational” project, billionaire Vincent Bolloré. He made his fortune in France-Africa and controls media and newspapers, as well as part of cinema financing through Canal+. He now aims to take over UGC cinemas and own all aspects of the film industry. Faced with this far-right offensive, resistance comes through strengthening public cultural services, including the National Cinema Center. A CNC associated with the Regions, including ours, to foster talent, creation, and dissemination of the 7th art.
