Marie Masmonteil - Producer, Elzévir Films
New Funding Landscape for French Film
On November 6, 2025, Marie Masmonteil, president of the French Union of Independent Producers’ feature films board and co-leader of Elzévir Films with Denis Carot, shared insights on the evolving funding landscape for French cinema. Her remarks came during the 35th ARP Film Meetings in Touquet-Paris-Plage.
Changes in Financing and Industry Tensions
Cineuropa noted that the financing structure for French film production through pre-purchasing shifted at the start of 2025, causing a notable reduction in investments from Canal+. Rumors suggested tensions within the sector.
Marie Masmonteil’s Perspective
Masmonteil provided clarity on the situation, emphasizing the difference between perception and data:
“The house is a little less on fire than we’d feared.”
She explained that Canal+ is contractually obliged to invest €150 million across 80 films this year. However, if investments in Ciné+ and OCS first window (covering 18 films) are subtracted, Canal+ has actually committed to only 62 films.
Summary
Despite concerns, the French film funding environment remains stable, with Canal+ continuing significant investments, highlighting a more balanced reality than industry rumors suggest.
Author’s Note
Marie Masmonteil offers a grounded view on recent funding shifts in French cinema, revealing resilience amid perceived industry anxieties.