If a film personality present at the Cannes Film Festival, which begins on Tuesday, May 14, were accused of sexual assault, “we would make sure to make the right decision on a case-by-case basis (…) but also discuss (their) work” , its president told Paris Match on Thursday.
“We are very attentive to what is happening today, we are closely monitoring the situation,” says Iris Knobloch in an interview with the weekly, while rumors are abuzz on social networks, through which a list of prominent personalities circulates, and in the media. of accusations during the Festival, which will end on May 25.
“If a defendant’s case arises, we will ensure that we make the correct decision on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the board of directors and interested parties,” it continues. “But we would also discuss her work to see what is best for her. She is the real star.”
“Make these testimonies resonate”
Seven years after the start of #MeToo, the issue is still on everyone’s mind, in the United States, where one of producer Harvey Weinstein’s convictions has just been annulled, as well as in France, between the trial of actor Gérard Depardieu in October and the Freedom of Expression Movement relaunched by Judith Godrèche.
The actress, who accuses two auteur cinema figures, Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, of rape, will present Me too, the 17-minute short film he directed on the topic of sexual violence, in Cannes on May 15. The Festival indicated in a statement that it wanted with this screening to “make these testimonies resonate.”
The presence of women, a problem
In this interview, Iris Knobloch also repeats that “the progression of the presence of women” is one of the main themes of Cannes, while 4 of the 22 films in competition and 20% of the films in the official selection were directed by women.
However, he does not support the establishment of quotas, which are “double-edged.” “We must not create a feeling of illegitimacy in a woman,” she pleads.
He adds that he has noted “a very clear increase in the presentation of projects by female directors (…) But the Festival must continue in its role and be based solely on the quality of the film.”
Source: BFM TV
