This week, France’s film and TV industry was shaken by the surprise appointment of conservative politician Rachida Dati as the country’s new Culture Minister. The announcement, part of President Emmanuel Macron’s reshuffle, sparked a wave of criticism from the predominantly left-leaning industry.
A Shift in Ideology
Dati, known for her combative personality, sharp humor, and impeccable style, is currently the mayor of the prestigious 7th arrondissement in Paris. However, her appointment as Culture Minister was met with vitriolic headlines and skepticism from the film and TV community. Many fear that her presence could threaten the industry’s unique “cultural exception” model, which supports independent and diverse filmmaking through subsidies and government-backed initiatives.
Not since 2019, when producer Dominique Boutonnat became president of the National Film Board, has an appointment triggered such strong reactions from France’s creative sector. Boutonnat had called for greater private financing in the film industry, leading to concerns about a shift in ideology.
Rachida Dati’s Reassurance
Aware of the criticism surrounding her appointment, Dati sought to address concerns during her handover speech. She assured the industry that she would always be there to defend the country’s cultural exception, emphasizing that her combativeness would be put to use in protecting and promoting culture.
Dati, who is currently under investigation in a corruption case involving former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, responded to the backlash in an interview with Le Parisien, suggesting that some of the criticism was rooted in her humble background. Growing up in a housing project in Burgundy, with parents who emigrated from Algeria and Morocco, Dati emphasized her access to books and education.
Macron’s History with Culture Ministers
Dati is the fifth Culture Minister appointed in seven years since Macron assumed the presidency in 2017. Some in the industry believe that Macron sees the role as a political tool rather than a genuine interest in culture. The departure of Dati’s predecessor, Rima Abdul Malak, who only served for two years, raised eyebrows, especially coming shortly after she expressed disapproval of Macron’s controversial immigration bill and made comments about actor Gerard Depardieu’s Legion of Honor.
While some industry insiders, like producer David Thion, remain hopeful that Dati’s prominent political position will bring culture to the forefront of the government’s agenda, others express concerns about the challenges faced by the French film landscape. The concentration of theatrical admissions on a limited number of movies and the need to preserve diversity and support smaller films are among the key issues.
A Time for Change
As the French film industry faces both uncertainty and possibility, there is hope that Rachida Dati, with political influence and determination, can make a positive impact. Producers and industry veterans believe that even ministers with right-wing leanings eventually defend the country’s cultural exception because of its proven success.
Only time will tell what Dati’s priorities will be, who she will surround herself with, and how she will shape the future of French culture. In the meantime, the industry remains hopeful for a champion who will fight for necessary budgets, elevate culture in societal debates, and ultimately preserve and promote popular culture.
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