The glitzy allure of French television—evident in the final season of Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” and HBO’s “The White Lotus”—stands in stark contrast to the turmoil gripping the country. France is witnessing an unprecedented wave of violent riots, drawing attention locally and internationally.
Unrest Sparked by Economic Concerns
The unrest began on October 17, 2023, with nationwide demonstrations ignited by rising living costs and declining conditions in public schools. The peaceful protests quickly escalated into chaos as approximately 550,000 participants filled the streets, resulting in extensive looting, arson, and violent clashes with police. In just three days, law enforcement recorded 2,397 arrests and over 3,000 businesses sustained damage, alongside historical landmarks.
Scenes of Destruction Across Major Cities
In Lyon, rioters set ablaze the historic tourist office on Place Bellecour. Marseille saw masked protesters storm City Hall, where they toppled a bust of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic. Meanwhile, in Paris, luxury boutiques became targets for looters, with storefronts smashed in broad daylight.
Hollywood’s Response to Chaos
Despite this turmoil, France continues to serve as a backdrop for Hollywood, most notably in the French Riviera, where filming for the fourth season of “The White Lotus” is nearing completion. Other major productions include Warner Bros.’ “Ocean” prequel, directed by Bradley Cooper, and Mimi Cave’s psychological thriller “Pumping Black,” featuring Natalie Portman. So far, these shoots have largely escaped disruption; however, the unrest has unsettled production crews and prompted precautionary advisories from the studios’ security departments.
Raphaël Benoliel, a veteran French executive producer currently working on “Pumping Black,” noted that the American team expressed concerns about safety. “The Americans did ask, ‘Do you think it’s dangerous?’ We told them, ‘From where we are, we think it’s fine.’ And everything has been going smoothly,” he explained. However, he warned that future decisions regarding filming locations may be affected. “The studios’ internal security departments have clearly said, ‘Be careful. Avoid Paris. Avoid Marseille,’” he added, indicating that France has now been flagged as a potential problem area for film production.
The Impact on Local Cinemas
The riots and ensuing curfews have also begun to affect France’s movie theaters, especially in city centers where curfews have been instituted. President Macron announced localized nighttime curfews in major cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, among others. Richard Patry, president of France’s National Federation of French Cinemas, reported that approximately 20 to 30 theaters are affected, but with around 2,500 theaters in total, there are still alternatives for moviegoers.
While the situation has indeed impacted attendance, some theaters are still experiencing growth. “The week ending Tuesday was up 12% compared with the equivalent week a year ago,” said Patry, pointing out that the cinemas directly affected can gauge losses compared to typical attendance figures.
Unease Among Production Crews
Isabelle Desgorges from Gaumont, whose team is managing production services for the “Ocean” prequel, shared her crew’s apprehension amidst the turmoil. “My entire crew is staying in Nice, so there was a bit of panic, especially because it’s a big American movie. People were wondering what on earth was going on,” she recounted. Fortunately, filming was not scheduled over the violent weekend, and the crew remained distanced from the chaos, although the atmosphere shifted due to the tension.
Prospects for the Future of Filming in France
The upcoming weeks are crucial as both film exhibitors and producers monitor the situation surrounding the riots, especially with a presidential election looming. Polls show the far-right and radical left gaining traction, leading to heightened stakes ahead of the vote. This weekend promises continued unrest, with additional protests scheduled and military presence anticipated.
Despite the troubling backdrop, live entertainment events attempt to proceed as planned, such as the NFL’s first game in Paris featuring the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Even larger gatherings, like Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” tour, are scheduled for the Accor Arena on October 29.
The chaos also drew unwanted attention to Celine Dion, who recently performed in Paris. She wrapped the first leg of her residency just after President Macron and First Lady Brigitte attended her concert, only days before the riots. This appearance sparked criticism in the media, likening their outing to that of historical figures Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette just before the French Revolution.
