Emmanuel Macron Warns of Social Media Threat to Cinema at Lumiere Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron has raised concerns about the impact of social media on the film industry during the opening of the Lumiere Summit on Monday. Speaking to an audience gathered at the Fondation Maeght, a renowned art museum located in Saint Paul de Vence, Macron urged nations to unite to defend traditional cinema from the endless stream of online content. He warned that the constant consumption of short, instant-reaction videos poses a direct threat to artistic expression.

According to the French leader, the modern media landscape is undergoing rapid transformations that cannot be ignored. He pointed out that while people are consuming more visual media than ever before, the constant flow of digital content risks distracting audiences from meaningful storytelling. Macron remarked that our attention has become a valuable economic resource, which is now being exploited by major social platforms. He argued that if governments did not intervene to support local film industries, the future of cinema would be left entirely to market forces.

The summit, which is co-chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, serves as a platform for global cooperation. During the event, France and South Korea announced a major trade agreement, promising to invest over $1 billion in joint film production and animation. President Lee emphasized the value of independent cinema, stating that it would guarantee sustainable growth and inspire new ideas.

The conference has brought together political figures and top entertainment executives, including leaders from Netflix, Disney, and major studios, alongside Hollywood stars like George Clooney. Together, they are addressing urgent industry challenges, ranging from artificial intelligence and piracy to shifting viewer habits.