How France’s #MeToo Movement Is Transforming Cannes and the Country’s Film Industry: ‘The Conditions Under Which Work Is Produced Matter’

by

2021’s Cannes Film Festival commenced under the shadow of Gerard Depardieu’s 18-month suspended sentence for sexually assaulting two women on the set of “The Green Shutters.” Though this incident doesn’t directly relate to the festival, it served as a poignant reminder of France’s progress in adopting the #MeToo movement, which it was previously hesitant to endorse.

Additionally, this change in sentiment within the nation and its cinematic epicenter, particularly concerning sexual violence depictions, was evident this year. The Cannes Film Festival, a significant platform for cinema globally, has introduced a new regulation that prohibits individuals accused of sexual misconduct from gracing the red carpet or presenting their films at the event. Consequently, Theo Navarro-Mussy was barred from attending the premiere of Dominik Moll’s “Case 137” due to allegations of rape and sexual assault against him. Despite the dropped charges, his accusers intend to file an appeal.

In a striking turn of events for this venerable film festival, I find myself reviewing it amidst an unprecedented ban on certain high-profile figures who were once regular fixtures here. Gone are the days when Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, and Johnny Depp graced the Croisette with their presence, welcomed warmly by festivalgoers. Fast forward to today, just four years since the allegations against Gerard Depardieu in 2020, and he’s nowhere to be seen. His film “Robuste,” which premiered as part of Critics’ Week’s opening night the following year, is now a distant memory, overshadowed by the weighty charges against him. This shift in tone and attitude towards these individuals reflects a changing landscape in the world of cinema and its response to accusations of misconduct.

Not only Cannes, but also other significant French film institutions have changed their approach towards artists and actors who have been accused of sexual violence or harassment. For instance, four years after honoring Polanski with the Best Director award, the Cesar Awards established a rule in 2025. This rule states that the Cesar board will take disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion against its members if they are implicated in acts of violence, with a particular focus on those that exhibit sexist or sexual misconduct.

Speaking with EbMaster before the Cannes festival, the director Thierry Frémaux emphasized the need for caution. This is because Cannes holds significant weight in introducing new films to the world. If they support an artist who has questionable past actions, it could potentially validate that individual’s behavior.

He assured that the upcoming festival will ensure that all submitted films adhere to and uphold the safety, honor, and respect of everyone involved, while also fulfilling legal requirements. Previously, there have been #MeToo issues brought up during the last two festivals, most notably last year when whispers circulated about Mediapart being ready to publish an explosive article with accusations against several actors whose films were being screened at the festival.

Nothing like it was ever created, but this year, a French Parliamentary commission uncovered that sexual harassment and sexual violence within the French entertainment industry are deeply ingrained.

The industry is facing a need to alter its methods due to the impact of a recent report. The new head of the National Film Board, Gaetan Bruel, has pledged that addressing growing #MeToo issues will be a key focus in how the organization administering the nation’s film grant program conducts business.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always believed that cinema holds a unique power to ignite our spirits and inspire us in ways like no other art form. However, in the past, it has unfortunately wielded this power at a cost that society can no longer bear today – behaviors that are no longer acceptable. It’s crucial to remember that the environment in which films are created plays a significant role in shaping their impact on us.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the potential commercial pitfalls that producers face when casting talent with a history of sexual misconduct. It’s not just about the ethical dilemmas surrounding on-set sexual violence; it’s also about protecting the bottom line. Take, for instance, director Samuel Theis, currently under investigation for a 2024 sexual assault allegation. His latest film, “Je le jure,” has unfortunately flopped at the box office. It’s a lesson that underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in Hollywood.

Bruel stated that such conduct isn’t just inappropriate, it could also be detrimental for our industry’s long-term success. If we fail to address these concerns, there’s a risk we might ignite a sense of dissatisfaction among the public at large.

Reflecting on 2024, France’s most significant media event was the surge of the #MeToo movement within the country. Initially struggling to gather traction following the Harvey Weinstein scandal several years prior, the feminist movement finally found its spark in 2024. French actress Judith Godrèche ignited the crusade by exposing abuses in the film industry. However, it was the case of Gisele Pelicot, a 67-year-old retiree, that sent shockwaves through French society. She uncovered that her husband had been drugging her and inviting men to rape her at their home on the French Riviera for over a decade.

The three-month-long Pelicot trial, extensively reported in France and internationally, featured 51 defendants, all of whom were found guilty. The verdict ended with a 20-year imprisonment for Dominique Pelicot, who confessed to raping his wife and soliciting strangers online to sexually abuse her while she was unconscious. The other 50 defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from eight to ten years. Although Dominique Pelicot has not contested the verdict, 17 of the other defendants have lodged an appeal and are set for a retrial in late 2025.

Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, a filmmaker specializing in documentaries about sexual violence, asserts that the Pelicot trial garnered an unparalleled level of media attention in France. He attributes this to deep-seated societal challenges, specifically resistance and the impact of class and generational differences, which have long hindered progress in France. One of his notable works is “Samber,” a limited series focusing on a French serial rapist, shedding light on the devastating effects of sexual violence against women and children.

However, it’s important to note that there have been indications of pushback towards the movement. For instance, feminist and filmmaker Caroline Fourest has caused quite a stir with her book titled “Le vertige MeToo” (“The #MeToo Vertigo”). In this work, she posits that not all alleged offenders should be lumped together as if they are identical. Instead, there are varying degrees of wrongdoing, according to her argument. Despite this critique, Fourest commends the movement for instigating a crucial discussion about sexual abuse and power dynamics.

The challenging aspect of how the #MeToo movement has evolved in France lies in avoiding lumping every issue under the #MeToo hashtag. This is crucial to prevent it from losing its impact and becoming less effective. When we blur the lines between different cases or treat them as if they’re equivalent, we risk diminishing the significance of #MeToo, sometimes even making it seem laughable. At a time when it needs to retain its relevance to be fully embraced by all, this could be detrimental.

Read More

2025-05-17 16:47