France's culture minister Rachida Dati expressed a firm commitment to protect the country's film production system amidst pressure from American filmmakers and President Trump's proposed tariffs. The French system, which combines taxes and quotas to support local film production, was highlighted as essential for the national identity and economic stability of the cinema sector. Dati noted France's recent success in film production and cinema admissions, contrasting it with declining numbers in the US and other European countries, reinforcing her argument for the cultural exception's importance.
On the other side of the Atlantic, powerful players in this industry are hostile to the French cultural exception. One could worry about the alignment of this agenda with that of the new American administration, but I'm not worried.
Trump's film tariffs, if implemented, would lead to the American industry being penalised, not ours.
We need to defend it whatever the cost. The French cultural exception is crucial for our film industry and overall cultural identity.
France produced 231 films last year and recorded an increase in cinema admissions (181.3 million) compared to 2023, while all major European countries and the United States saw a decline.
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