25/06/2003

The latest episode in the seemingly endless saga of France’s national Film Library was the failure of the general assembly to approve a reform of the institution’s statute at their meeting on Tuesday 24 June. The various attempts to modernise the Cinematheque are starting to resemble an authentic obstacle course.
The French culture ministry, the CNC (National Film Centre) and the Film Library’s new director, Serge Toubiana, were all hoping to see the General Assembley of the French Film Library approve their draft reform of its statute. But once again the staff of this hallowed institution failed to meet the necessary quorum, and the vote failed despite 171 ayes and 70 nays.

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It must be said that certain aspects of the proposed reform are worrying. For example, the appointment of a government-named commissioner, the establishment of a shared finance committee with the CNC, and Toubiana’s plans to cut down film restoration work in favour of the Film Archive Service. Then there is all the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring by former Cinematheque president Jean-Charles Tacchella, who controversially resigned two months ago. The next attempt will be made at the Extraordinary General Meeting in September.

(Translated from French)