Canal+ has signed a five-year deal to invest 980 million euros in French and European cinema starting in 2028, marking its largest commitment to the film industry.

The agreement, reached after months of tensions, will see Canal+ invest from 2028 through 2032, reinforcing its position as the top financier of French cinema.

This investment secures Canal+ a first-window role and six months after theatrical release for films, ensuring ongoing visibility for French, European, and international titles.

The agreement follows Cannes controversies over funding and comments about signatories of a tribune opposing perceived far-right influence, with Canal+ stressing there would be no blacklist.

Maxime Saada, Canal+’s CEO, called the deal historic and reaffirmed the group’s long-term commitment to supporting cinema’s power, creativity, and diversity.

The deal includes qualitative commitments to improve movie visibility, broaden audience reach, and enhance diversity in productions, with support for emerging talent and debut films.

The package underscores Canal+’s strategy to balance premium content with wider access while navigating debates over media influence and political concerns surrounding the industry.

Saada emphasized optimism about the deal and noted the record investment as a signal of Canal+’s ongoing support for cinema.

The deal involves Canal+ and Cine+ OCS channels and collaborates with film industry bodies to implement the new framework.

Canal+ aims to keep a central role in the industry by financing a broad mix of films, including medium-budget titles, to sustain renewal and economic stability.

Key components target stronger support for new filmmakers, diverse genres, and initiatives in animation, while financing a broad slate of films to broaden the market.

The announcement comes amid tensions over Canal+’s influence and Bolloré’s stake, with ongoing debates about governance and representation in French cinema.