Several big names in French cinema have come out against Vincent Bolloré hours before the Cannes Film Festival begins. In a column published in Libération, nearly 600 professionals denounced Bolloré’s growing influence and the threat they see to the French film industry. Actors like Juliette Binoche and Adèle Haenel are among the signatories, supporting the movement “Zapper Bolloré”, which has been gaining traction amid concerns about the billionaire’s control of media outlets.
Bolloré’s acquisition of 34% of UGC in 2025, with plans to reach 100% by 2028, has raised alarms in the industry. Concerns extend beyond economic interests to fears of a fascist-like control over cultural and media landscapes. Authors of the column worry that Bolloré’s power could impact the artistic content that gets produced and distributed, with potential consequences on the diversity of voices in French cinema.
The column also brings up the National Rally’s program, which includes proposals to challenge the CNC (National Film Board) and public broadcasting. Signatories fear a future where certain films may not receive financial backing under such conditions. Additionally, the dependency on Bolloré’s financial support for film projects and salaries is highlighted as a key concern, with a call to collectively speak out against these issues.
