Netflix Eyeing Limited French Theatrical Runs for Cannes Competition Titles

'Okja'

"We want to continue to contribute to the development and financing of films,” says a representative for the streaming video giant.

Netflix is looking at a possible limited theatrical run in France for its two Cannes Film Festival competition titles after protests from French exhibitors.

"We are exploring theatrical distribution of these two films in France, for a limited theatrical run, day and date with the films’ release on Netflix," the subscription service said Wednesday.

It added: "We are thrilled to explore any and all options that will give these films an opportunity to be viewed by as large an audience as possible, on a variety of screens, because similar to French exhibitors, we want to continue to contribute to the development and financing of films."

The French National Cinema Federation (FNCF), the lobby for the country’s cinema owners, cried foul, calling on Netflix to screen the two competition entries, the first-ever films the streamer is bringing to the Cannes lineup. The movies are Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories and Okjafrom Bong Joon-Ho.  

Netflix produced Okja and acquired Meyerowitz Stories just three days before the Cannes lineup announcement, when it was already tipped to be in the official selection...........

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