French culture: An 'exception' to be protected?

Summary

France's 'Cultural Exception' is a state policy designed to protect and promote French culture in the face of global influences, particularly from American media. Introduced in 1959, it includes substantial government funding for cinema, music, literature, and more. The policy ensures French films are subsidized and protected, fostering a dynamic cultural industry and supporting jobs. However, it faces criticism for its high costs and inefficiencies. Despite this, it remains a vital part of France's cultural identity, helping French cinema thrive both domestically and internationally, and ensuring French culture's continued relevance in a globalized world.

Takeaways

• 😀 France has a policy called 'Lex Epsyon Choo-Choo' or the Cultural Exception, which aims to protect and promote French culture from external influences, particularly American culture and the English language.
• 😀 The Cultural Exception was officially established in 1959 when the Ministry of Culture was created, with the goal of maintaining the uniqueness of French culture in the face of global market forces.
• 😀 The French government invests around 14 billion euros annually into its cultural sector, including cinema, television, music, art, and literature, which brings in over 91 billion euros in revenue each year.
• 😀 France’s cultural industries account for 2.3% of its GDP, which is more than the automobile and luxury goods sectors, showcasing the significant economic value of French culture.
• 😀 The French government heavily subsidizes the arts, including setting fixed book prices and imposing quotas for French-language music on the radio to ensure French culture’s visibility and accessibility.
• 😀 The French film industry benefits from significant state support through the National Center for Cinema (CNC), which allocates funds for film production and distribution, ensuring the survival and growth of French cinema.
• 😀 Every movie ticket purchased in France contributes part of its cost (10.72%) to the CNC, which helps finance smaller French films, even if the movie showing is a Hollywood blockbuster.
• 😀 The Cultural Exception system has helped foster a diverse and thriving French film industry, including everything from big-budget comedies to small arthouse films, documentaries, and animation.
• 😀 France’s cinema success stories, such as the film 'Les Miserables' (2019), demonstrate the global potential of French films, aided by government funding and support for international promotion.
• 😀 The Cultural Exception faces challenges in adapting to changing media consumption habits, especially with the rise of streaming platforms, but the French government remains committed to ensuring its cultural influence endures globally.
• 😀 Despite criticisms about its cost and inefficiencies, the French government argues that the Cultural Exception system is essential for maintaining the diversity of French culture, which would otherwise be overwhelmed by English-language media.

Q & A

What is the 'Cultural Exception' policy in France?

The 'Cultural Exception' policy, established in 1959 with the creation of France's Ministry of Culture, is a government initiative aimed at protecting and promoting French culture, particularly in the face of global market forces and American cultural dominance. It emphasizes that culture should not be treated like ordinary commodities subject to supply and demand.

How does the French government protect its cultural industries under this policy?

The French government protects its cultural industries through various measures, including heavy state subsidies, fixed pricing for books, and quotas for French-language music on the radio. It also funds a wide range of cultural sectors, including cinema, music, literature, and more, ensuring that French culture remains competitive and diverse.

Why is France's cultural policy a point of contention in international trade negotiations?

France's cultural policy has been a contentious issue in trade talks because it protects French culture from globalized, commercialized content, often from Hollywood and English-speaking countries. Countries like the U.S. have criticized these protections, viewing them as trade barriers that hinder the free market.

How much does the French government invest in its cultural sector annually?

The French government invests approximately 14 billion euros annually in its cultural sector. This funding supports various industries, including cinema, television, music, theater, and literature.

What is the role of the National Center for Cinema (CNC) in promoting French cinema?

The CNC is a key institution in supporting French cinema. It receives funding from various taxes and redistributes this money to film-related initiatives such as building movie theaters and financing film projects. It also promotes French films both domestically and internationally.

How does the French cinema funding system work through ticket sales?

A percentage of every movie ticket sale in France goes to the CNC, helping fund French cinema. For example, if a ticket costs 10 euros, over 1 euro goes directly to financing French films, supporting smaller films and independent filmmakers.

What is the controversy surrounding the funding of French films by the state?

Critics argue that the state-funded system produces too many French films, some of which are of questionable quality and may not be financially successful. However, defenders of the system argue that it supports diversity in French cinema and helps emerging filmmakers who might otherwise struggle to secure financing.

What is the 'nouvelle vague' unemployment system in France?

The 'nouvelle vague' is an unemployment scheme for people working in the entertainment industry in France. It provides financial support to actors, directors, musicians, and other creative professionals during periods of unemployment, ensuring they do not have to take on second jobs to survive.

How does France's cultural exception impact its global film exports?

Thanks to the cultural exception policy, French films maintain a strong presence both within France and internationally. For example, films like *Les Misérables* have received state support and gone on to achieve international recognition, including awards and widespread distribution. This is facilitated by both government funding and a strong tradition of diverse filmmaking.

What challenges does French cinema face in the modern digital landscape?

French cinema faces challenges from the rise of digital streaming platforms and the dominance of American films. One major hurdle is attracting younger audiences to cinemas, as many prefer watching films online. Another challenge is ensuring French films remain competitive in an increasingly globalized entertainment market.