Anti-Bolloré column: Thierry Frémaux plays the appeasement card

It took two weeks of reflection for Thierry Frémaux to say what he thinks of the «Tribune anti-Canal +» which hit the headlines at Cannes 2026. In an interview given to our American colleagues from Variety the general delegate of the Festival therefore returned to the controversy created by the petition targeting Vincent Bolloré and Canal+. He emphasized from the outset that the organization as an institution did not take part in this battle, even if the Croisette served as a natural amplifier of the debate.

Without risking commenting on the ideological basis of the text of the petition, he expressed his reservations, pointing out the vocabulary chosen by certain signatories, in particular the expression of “fascist vision” which he considers disproportionate. He believes that this mode of language would not “than fuel violence”. Of a more consensual nature, Thierry Frémaux pleads for a less brutal method: “It should be possible to dialogue differently”.

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Thierry Frémaux does not forget that boos rang out when spectators during the gala screenings saw the Canal+ logo on the screens. Visibly wishing for appeasement, and a fan of a form of relativism, he declared, not without humor: “Of course, it’s true, but it wasn’t May 68!”. He noted, in reverse, the loud applause for the logos of France Télévisions, the CNC and the mentions of partner regions, which he interpreted as a gesture of support for the public audiovisual service and, more broadly, as a response to a tense French climate where cinema has been heavily attacked in recent months.

“Ideological commitment”

For the general delegate of Cannes, Vincent Bolloré does not hide his “ideological ambition” in view of the next presidential election. According to him, he puts his newspapers and television channels at the service of this project. He recognizes the industrialist’s right to act in this way, but emphasizes that this approach raises legitimate questions since it goes beyond business logic: “This raises questions for many, because it is no longer just about business, but a political commitment. Those who oppose it also have the right to do so”.

Finally, questioned about the statements of Maxime Saada, chairman of the board of Canal+, who said he no longer wanted to work with the signatories of the petition, Thierry Frémaux reaffirms “the Festival’s attachment to freedom of expression for all parties: that of the signatories, that of Canal+ and that of its manager”. He says he is convinced that, despite current tensions, the future of French cinema will be built collectively, with Canal+ and its teams, which he recalls have long been exemplary. According to him, they are not and should not be targeted by anyone.