Seven men, zero women: the front page of “French Film” makes an uproar, the magazine apologizes

A real outcry. Since it was unveiled on social networks, this Friday, September 30, the cover of the latest issue of the specialized magazine The French Movie is the target of all criticism. And for good reason, the front page turns out to be a photo of six French actors, Guillaume Canet, François Civil, Dany Boon, Pierre Niney, Vincent Cassel, Pio Marmaï and Vincent Cassel, accompanied by the president of Pathé, Jérôme Seydoux. Clearly, only men, and all with an enigmatic title: “Objective: Reconquest!”.

“No women, no diversity”

This 100% masculine Une has made several film and television personalities jump. “If we bother you, don’t hesitate to say so,” tweeted filmmaker Audrey Diwan.

If you are bothered, please say so. pic.twitter.com/e0fEZwuGrb

— Audrey Diwan (@AudreyDiwan) September 30, 2022

“No women, no diversity. The great class”, quipped Alexandra Lamy, in response to the director of The Event. “It’s not possible! Virginie Efira, Marion Cotillard, Rebecca Zlotowski, Sandrine Kimberlain, Leïla Bekhti, Marie Masmonteil, Sylvie Pialat, Julia Ducournau… Join the ‘For women in the media’ network! can do nothing for French cinema”, meanwhile launched Anaïs Bouton, host on Paris Première.

It’s not possible! Virginie Effira, Marion Cotillard, Rebecca Zlotowski, Sandrine Kiberlain, Leila Bekhti, Marie Masmonteil, Sylvie Pialat, Julia Ducournau… join @PFDMedias ! Because apparently you can’t do anything for French cinema. #paslesfesssortiesdesronces.

— ANAIS BUTTON (@ANAISBOUTON) September 30, 2022

“Fortunately you thought of the women who also make French cinema,” responded the novelist Tristane Banon. Before adding: “The cover would have had less strength without them… Thank you and congratulations…”.

Fortunately, you thought of the women who also make French cinema.
The cover would have had less strength without them…
Thank you, and well done @lefilmfrancais@FNEF_cinemahttps://t.co/ulnvoy6TG9

— Tristane Banon (@BanonTristane) September 30, 2022

The actors present in the photo have not been consulted

In the face of criticism, French Film decided to issue a public apology on Twitter. “The choice to publish this photo on the cover, and the choice of terms, turned out to be unfortunate and regrettable”, inform the teams. As the weekly assures, this coverage is the work of the editorial staff. The actors present in the image have not been consulted.

“We have involuntarily, by wishing to highlight some of the promising films of 2023 presented during the FNEF film editors’ day, conveyed an image that is not representative of French cinema, artists and Pathé”, continues The French Moviebefore concluding: “This proves how much vigilance must be required at all times to win the battle for parity”.