This year’s Cannes Film Festival is overshadowed by rumors of potential sexual predator revelations affecting several stars and directors. Reports from the French press suggest that a list of 12 actors and directors may face #MeToo allegations during the festival. This has caused concern in the French cinema industry, leading to the hiring of a crisis PR team by the festival organizers. Despite the rumors, festival President Iris Knobloch stated in an interview that any implicated individual would be considered on a “case-by-case” basis, with their film not immediately being disqualified.
The #MeToo movement has been reignited in France by actress and activist Judith Godrèche, whose film “Moi Aussi” will be featured in the Un Certain Regard selection at Cannes. The film will also be shown for free at the Cinéma de la Plage beach screenings. Godrèche has filed complaints of rape against French filmmakers Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, accusing them of assaulting her when she was a teenager. Both filmmakers have denied the charges, further adding to the controversy surrounding this year’s festival.
Cannes previously addressed #MeToo issues in 2018 following revelations of assaults by Harvey Weinstein, a prominent figure in the film industry and a regular at the festival. In response to the allegations against Weinstein, a hotline was established along with the French government for victims to report any incidents. Former fest president Pierre Lescure and artistic director Thierry Frémaux condemned such behavior in a statement, underlining the need to denounce and address such serious and unacceptable practices within the industry.
The 2018 Cannes Film Festival also saw a backlash against the #MeToo movement, with French actress Catherine Deneuve and others signing a letter to Le Monde critiquing the movement. The letter argued that not all forms of flirting or gallantry should be equated with criminal behavior, defending the distinction between harmless gestures and genuine abuse. The differing viewpoints within the industry highlight the complex and nuanced discussions surrounding the #MeToo movement and its impact on the film world.
Given the history of #MeToo related incidents at Cannes and in the broader film industry, the festival organizers face a challenging task in balancing allegations of misconduct with the showcasing of cinematic works by potentially implicated individuals. The response of Cannes officials to any allegations during this year’s festival will likely shape the narrative around how the industry addresses and responds to such issues moving forward. The inherent tension between supporting creative endeavors and holding individuals accountable for their actions underscores the ongoing struggle to navigate the complexities of power dynamics and ethics within the film world.
