Isabelle Huppert appointed president of Cinémathèque française

Isabelle Huppert has become the first woman to serve as president of the Cinémathèque française. Appointed by the institution's board of directors for a three-year term ending in 2029, the 73-year-old actress succeeds filmmaker Costa-Gavras, who held the position since 2007.

In her new role, Huppert aims to ensure the institution radiates internationally, showcases global cinematographies, and attracts younger audiences. She emphasized the importance of making heritage live while remaining in phase with the present.

Huppert also addressed the controversial topic of ‘cancel culture,’ specifically regarding whether films by directors accused of sexual violence should be removed from programming. She stated that the primary goal of the Cinémathèque is to preserve works as cultural objects and make them available to the public, noting that while certain films may be ‘tarnished by the narrative that accompanies them,’ they should not be hidden.