Cannes appoints first woman president

The board of the Cannes Film Festival has picked Iris Knobloch to become the first female president of the event.

According to the organizers of the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, Knobloch, the German executive, was elected via secret ballot as always.

Iris Knobloch, the former boss of WarnerMedia France and Germany, will take up the role next July.

“As a heartfelt European, I have always stood for cinema throughout my career, both in France and internationally, and I’m thrilled to be able to give my all so that this world event remains influential,” said Knobloch, describing Cannes as “a major event that is key to keeping alive the cultural life of a world that, more than ever, desperately needs it.”

“I can’t wait to start a collective debate with the Board of Directors, General Delegate Thierry Frémaux, and all of the film industry players to carry on what has been accomplished and to map out the future history in the light of the new challenges coming,” she added.

Knobloch will succeed Pierre Lescure who was re-elected for a third term in 2020 and is planning to step down after this year’s edition of the festival.

The 75th edition of Cannes Film Festival will take place on May 17-28. The official selection of the upcoming edition will be announced on April 14.

SQ/MM