A Different Picture on French Cinema
The March 12 editorial, “A Two-Way Rue du Cinema,” presents France as a culturally protectionist country and mixes up different elements to make its point.
The Centre National de la Cinematographie (the French film agency), placed under the authority of the Ministry of Culture, considers that a motion picture such as “A Very Long Engagement” should be given access to the French aid system in favor of the film industry and has approved public subsidies to the producer.
The fact that two producers’ associations have taken legal action against this decision and that the court has ruled in their favor does not reflect the position of all the French film professionals and the French cultural community. In agreement with the French government, the agency has appealed that decision to a higher court. It is absolutely premature to draw conclusions at this stage.
Catherine Colonna
Director, Centre National
de la Cinematographie
Paris
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
