29/04/2003

Total support for French cinema and the mechanisms which fund it. That was the promise made yesterday by French president, Jacques Chirac at the official reception at the Elysée Palace for the French contingent selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
Those attending the event included François Ozon, Bertrand Blier, Claude Miller, Solveig Anspach, Gérard Krawczyk, Ludivine Sagnier, Elodie Bouchez and Vincent Perez. Veteran actor Jean Rochefort was also there since he will sit on this year’s jury. Chirac also extended the invitation to Luc Besson, Philippe Noiret, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Hippolyte Girardot, Hélène de Fougerolles, Julie Depardieuand Elsa Zylberstein.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

In his welcoming speech, President Chirac reiterated his and the French government’s "determination to support and defend" the dynamic French film industry: "protecting it also means defending a national art form and heritage that is in continuous evolution, an industry... That means fighting uniformity that impoverishes man. "

Chirac also announced that culture minister, Jean-Jacques Aillagon was about to present a new support scheme for Gallic film. "The support mechanisms of the 7th art have proved their worth and pertinence over the last fifty years. Without them, our film industry would not be what it is today. We must do everything in our power to safeguard and adapt them to the changing world environment, " said the President. He also asked the European Commission to acknowledge once and for all the legitimacy of state support for cultural activities and confirmed France’s long-standing opposition to "opening up the film sector to WTO. "

(Translated from French)