Cannes has always embraced politics and this weekend some of Europe’s most senior politicians are on the Croisette to combine culture with conversation about the response to the three ‘T’ words hanging over the 2025 festival: ‘Trump’s Tariffs Threat’ (TTT).
French culture minister Rachida Dati will give an address on May 17 to discuss topics facing the local and global industries.
UK creative industries minister Chris Bryant is in town to meet with his European counterparts and is expected to attend the ‘United’ event tonight, hosted by Bafta, the BFI, BBC Film and Film4.
From the European Parliament, Emma Rafowicz, vice-chair of its influential culture committee, is a high-profile presence, speaking at several events, including one to lend her support to European independent producers in the face of TTT.
Alain Berset, secretary general of the Council of Europe is also attending Cannes. It is understood he intends to underline the essential role of culture in vibrant democracies and to support European film production.
Another hot topic in Cannes is the future of Creative Europe and its post-2028 funding, where French politician and member of the European Parliament Laurence Farreng joined Rafowicz for a panel discussion on the subject yesterday (May 15).
“What is happening with Trump is a chance for us,” said Farreng, referring to an opportunity to garner support for cultural funding within the European ecosystem.
Meanwhile in the market, the sense is sellers and buyers are tiring of talking about the tariffs. In the absence of clear directives from the US, they are trying not to let it distract from business.
No comments yet