Gilles Pélisson steps into Unifrance as French cinema navigates a new era

When Gilles Pélisson, a name that has long commanded respect across France's television landscape, took the helm at Unifrance, the mood inside the Parisian corridors was one of cautious optimism. Colleagues recall the gravitas he brought from his days steering major broadcasters, a blend of commercial savvy and cultural stewardship that seemed tailor-made for a body now wrestling with shifting funding models, evolving audience habits, and a global market that demands both local authenticity and universal appeal. Inside the organization, the transition felt less like a handover and more like a strategic pivot, with Pélisson's arrival prompting a quiet reshuffling of priorities: bolstering partnerships beyond traditional festivals, embracing digital storytelling platforms, and re-imagining how French narratives can punch through the noise of an increasingly crowded screen ecosystem. Those who have worked alongside him note his instinct for spotting talent and his willingness to challenge entrenched processes, a trait that many hope will revitalize Unifrance's outreach while preserving the heritage that has long defined French cinema abroad. As the industry watches, the real test will be whether his blend of broadcast acumen and cultural advocacy can translate into a renewed global resonance for France's film and television output.