Iris Knobloch, one of the names of the French film industry, has been re-elected as the president of the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. The festival’s board of directors made this decision unanimously, the Cannes authorities told an email on Wednesday (January 15).
The new role will start from July this year and Iris Knobloch will serve in her role for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 festivals. Those concerned believe that the decision is a renewed expression of confidence in her leadership, which recognizes her past achievements and ensures the continuation of the festival’s strategic initiatives.
Meanwhile, expressing gratitude to the board of directors, Iris Knobloch said, “I am deeply honored to have regained the trust of the board of directors. I am proud of the success of the last two editions and excited to continue this journey in the future with our Director General Thierry Fremaux and the festival’s dedicated team. Together, we will enrich this unique festival, where all types of films, voices and talents find their place.’
‘Maintaining the artistic value of the festival, standing up for creative freedom and protecting human values will be my main priorities. I am committed to preserving the uniqueness of the selection, supporting new talent and ensuring that the Cannes Film Festival remains a crossroads of creativity and technological innovation,’ added Iris.
Expressing her commitment to the future, she added, ‘I also want to reiterate that the festival must be a symbol of equality and a place of recognition for all. In particular, I will be more focused on highlighting the creative talent of women. For almost 80 years, the Cannes Film Festival and cinema have developed a unique and unbreakable love affair. We will continue to work to ensure that this extraordinary institution remains a beacon for artists and cinema worldwide.’
German-born, Paris-based former Warner Bros. executive Iris Knobloch has had an illustrious career at Warner Bros. and Time Warner, where she held key positions in New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris. She has worked with many influential figures in world cinema and notably supported Michel Hazanavicius’s The Artist, which became the first French film to win the Best Picture Oscar after being selected at Cannes.
A committed European and a strong supporter of French and international cinema, Iris Knobloch is considered a trailblazer in the changing landscape of the film industry. Her commitment to diversity and innovation in the creative industries has earned her worldwide recognition. She has served as the first female president of the Cannes Film Festival since July 2022.
