French media tycoon Vincent Bolloré casts shadow over Cannes opening

French media tycoon Vincent Bolloré casts shadow over Cannes opening Culture

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08:19

Issued on: 12/05/2026 - 17:49

08:19 min Share Play (08:23 min) From the show Reading time 1 min

As the 79th Cannes Film Festival opens on the Croisette, politics is competing with glamour for attention. Hundreds of figures from the French film industry have signed an open letter warning about what they describe as the growing influence of the far right within French cinema and media. At the centre of the controversy is French billionaire and media tycoon Vincent Bolloré, owner of Canal+, the powerful television group that plays a major role in financing French films.

The letter, published in French daily Libération and signed by figures including actress Juliette Binoche, reflects wider tensions in France over Vincent Bolloré’s expanding media empire and perceived political influence.

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The debate comes as international stars begin arriving in Cannes for a festival that will welcome big names including Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver and John Travolta.

FRANCE 24's Culture Editor Eve Jackson reports from Cannes.

By: Eve JACKSON Laura DI BIASIO Marion CHAVAL Magali FAURE Solène CLAUSSE Advertising Related keywords

• culture
• Cinema
• Cannes Film Festival
• Vincent Bolloré
• French cinema