Netflix has decided to take its five films out of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival after a new rule was created that states a film is not allowed to compete if it has not been theatrically released. Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux implemented the rule himself. He allowed Netflix to show their films outside of competition, but Netflix has decided to remove themselves from the festival altogether.
What Netflix's chief has to say
Ted Sarandos, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, did an interview with Variety Magazine. He said: "I don't think it would be good for us to be there" because he feels Netflix's films will be targeted and treated "disrespectfully," especially after the rule was created.
Sarandos wants Netflix's films and filmmakers to be on "fair ground" with other filmmakers, and this rule targeting Netflix makes it extremely hard to do so. Sarandos has decided not to screen the films out-of-competition because he says it doesn't make sense for the streaming powerhouse. Although Netflix won't have any films in the festival, a few other executives will be attending the festival to look for movies to pick up for distribution.
Not the first changes to the festival this year
Fremaux also infamously banned red carpet selfies this year. He said that when people on the red carpet stop to take selfies, it takes up too much time; things become "disorganized" and everything "runs late." In addition to the time constraints, Fremaux also believes that red carpet selfies are "grotesque" and "ridiculous." He hopes that by banning selfies, perhaps some "decency" can be restored to the festival.
Anyone who violates the no-selfie rule will not be allowed in, according to Fremaux.
Are Fremaux's rules too rigid?
Looking at these two rules that come into effect at this year's festival, it's easy to spot one thing: it fights against current technology. A ban against Netflix is a prejudice against streaming services and their ability to create good, meaningful content.
Just this year, Netflix had two movies up for Oscars grabs: "Icarus," which won best documentary, and "Mudbound," which was nominated for best adapted screenplay, cinematography, original song, and supporting actress. In the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, Netflix's film "I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore" won the jury prize.
With these accolades, Fremaux cannot be banning Netflix from competing because its movies aren't good, but rather, as a marker to stay with the traditional idea that a film must be theatrically released. Sarandos feels that Cannes has "chosen to celebrate distribution rather than the art of cinema."
Although the rule is very new, if the Cannes Film Festival wants to truly have inclusive movies, it will have to change its rigid structure to adapt to the changing world of cinema.
