The French film industry is bracing itself for further #MeToo revelations as rumors circulate about alleged misconduct by multiple male actors, directors, and producers. The speculation has cast a shadow over the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, which opens next week on Tuesday, May 14th, with the screening of Quentin Dupieux’s absurd comedy.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, the French labor group representing freelance workers at film festivals has expressed its concerns. Adding to the festival’s woes, the French media is rife with speculation about a bombshell #MeToo exposé that is rumored to be released on the opening day of Cannes. The report, which will reportedly be published by Mediapart, is being described as an “earthquake” that could have significant repercussions for the festival.
In response to the mounting rumors, Cannes president Iris Knobloch has hired an agency to prepare for “crisis communication,” according to French outlet Le Figaro. The outlet claims that top industry figures “are losing sleep over it,” and that “entire artistic teams are trembling” with fear that their films will be overshadowed by the allegations.
Knobloch herself told Le Figaro that her team is maintaining “reinforced vigilance.” The festival team and crisis management firm have been working out scenarios on a case-by-case basis, as the festival does not have an official protocol for dealing with guests accused of sexual harassment and abuse.
The Figaro report suggests that the festival could take measures such as removing films from competition or disinviting accused individuals from the red carpet, depending on the severity of the accusations. While the official list of alleged perpetrators has not yet been made public, whispers of well-known names from the French film industry have been circulating on social media.
These rumors emerge amidst a fresh wave of #MeToo allegations in France, ignited by actress and filmmaker Judith Godrèche’s decision to speak out about alleged misconduct she experienced at the hands of director Benoît Jacquot. Jacquot has denied the allegations. Godrèche will present her short film about sexual violence at the festival. In a press release, the festival stated its intention to “give resonance to these testimonies.”
Last month, actor Gérard Depardieu was taken into custody and will face trial for alleged sexual assaults against two women in 2021. The accusations against him are part of the widening #MeToo movement that has gained momentum in France and around the world in recent years.
