Cannes Film Festival faces its MeToo moment
The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, one of Europe's most prestigious film awards, opened on Tuesday. Yet, as usual, the films themselves weren't the only focus. There are whispers of a 'list' that could accuse dozens of French cinema figures of sexual abuse, which might come out during the two-week festival. Additionally, festival workers are threatening to strike for better job conditions.
France's film industry is currently reckoning with sexual abuse. Recent developments include a new wave of allegations and the impending trial of Gérard Depardieu, often described as the ”sacred monster of French cinema,” for alleged sexual assaults. But the real spark came earlier this year when popular French actress and director Judith Godrèche accused two film directors of rape and sexual abuse during her teenage years.
On the opening day of the festival, the daily newspaper Le Monde featured a photo of 100 French celebrities denouncing sexual and sexist violence on its frontpage, accompanied by a petition signed by about 150 personalities demanding a comprehensive law against sexual violence.
If the 'list' gets published during the festival, this edition could be likened to opening a ‘Cannes’ of worms within the French cinema industry. Regardless, the topic is gaining traction in French discourse and shows no signs of fading. Long overdue – nearly seven years after it took Hollywood by storm – the MeToo movement is finally hitting France.