Pierre Lescure has been named the next president of the Cannes Film Festival. Lescure’s role will be to advise and support Thierry Fremaux, who is in charge of the artistic side of the festival. Lescure, 68, believes in bringing in international talent to Cannes.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, French Minister of Culture and Communication Aurélie Filippetti tweeted, "Congratulations to Pierre Lescure, who has been unanimously elected as president of the Cannes Film Festival, succeeding Gilles Jacob."
Lescure is replacing Gilles Jacob who has served as president since 2001. Jacob, 83, joined the festival as managing director in 1978. According to Variety, Jacob shaped the identity of Cannes Film Festival and welcomed European auteur cinema.
Lescure is known in France for his work with Canal Plus. In 1984, Lescure founded Canal Plus with Andre Rousselet. Canal Plus is one of the most successful pay television operators in France. StudioCanal plays an important role in assisting with financing for French movies. Lescure also served on the jury of the Deauville Film Festival this year.
Lescure is expected to take office on July 1.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
