Gilles Pélisson's Leadership at Unifrance: A New Era for French Cinema

Gilles Pélisson, a prominent figure in French broadcasting, has been at the helm of Unifrance for three years, following its merger with TV France International. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which promotes French cinema and audiovisual works globally. Pélisson's primary focus has been to consolidate Unifrance's funding, which relies heavily on public sources. Notably, the National Film Board (CNC) has renewed and increased its support by €2 million annually, a move Pélisson describes as "extremely important."

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Under Pélisson's guidance, Unifrance has diversified its funding sources by establishing a private-sector endowment fund in 2024. This initiative has attracted major partners, including Accor Group, BNP Paribas, and Champagne Pommery, contributing to a more stable financial foundation for the organization. Pélisson emphasizes the importance of these partnerships in complementing public funding.

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Pélisson has worked closely with Unifrance's managing director, Daniela Elstner, to enhance the organization's visibility at international film festivals. The establishment of Unifrance Clubs in Cannes, Berlin, and Venice aims to foster connections between French delegations, talent, and international press, thereby promoting a strong collective presence for French cinema abroad.

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The merger with TV France International has allowed Unifrance to operate as a unified entity, successfully promoting both cinema and audiovisual works. Pélisson cites notable successes, such as "Les Gouttes de Dieu," which won at the International Emmy Awards, and the international acclaim for "HPI." In 2025, French films achieved approximately 42 million admissions globally, with standout titles including Luc Besson's "Dracula" and the animated film "Falcon Express." Pélisson identifies animation and international co-productions as key trends bolstering the international presence of French cinema.

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Despite these successes, Pélisson acknowledges challenges in the U.S. market, particularly the impact of shortened theatrical windows on cinema attendance. He notes that while the U.S. remains a challenging environment, Unifrance continues to engage through events like the Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in New York and the Unifrance Trophy in Los Angeles. Looking ahead, Pélisson expresses optimism about the future of French cinema, highlighting upcoming projects such as adaptations of "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Misérables," which he believes have significant international appeal.

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Pélisson has articulated his vision for Unifrance, stating, “The richness of French production remains intact,” and emphasizing the importance of supporting emerging talent through initiatives like "10 to Watch." He also acknowledges the complexities of international box office performance, noting that films can perform differently in domestic and international markets.

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• “The first priority was to consolidate the association’s fundamentals, particularly its funding,” — Gilles Pélisson, President of Unifrance

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• “these successes create real pride and confirm that this strategy makes sense.” — Gilles Pélisson

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• “We wanted to complement public funding with private-sector support.” — Gilles Pélisson

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• “has almost become a militant act.” — Gilles Pélisson

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Pélisson's leadership at Unifrance marks a significant phase in the promotion of French cinema, navigating both opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

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