Netflix opposes film festival Cannes

- Netflix has decided not to show films during the prestigious film festival in Cannes. The streaming service does not agree with the decision of the film festival to exclude Netflix from the competitions, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

At the film festival new films will be screened and prizes distributed, including the Golden Palm for the best film. During the edition of last year, the films of Netflix threw high light in the French coastal town. Two Netflix films, Okja and The Meyerowitz Stories, then competed for the Golden Palm. Last month, however, the organization decided that streaming platforms like Netflix would no longer compete for prizes because the films can not be seen in French cinemas.

According to French law, films may not appear on streaming services until 36 months after they have been shown in the cinema. During last year's film festival, Ted Sarandos, CCO at the streaming service, indicated that 36 months took too long. As long as the law is valid in France, Netflix will not release films in French cinemas, according to Sarandos.

According to festival boss Thierry Frémaux streaming services still get the opportunity to show their films at the festival, but outside the competition. Netflix therefore does not enter that invitation.

The 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival takes place from 8 to 19 May.

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