Gilles Pélisson Reelected Unanimously as Unifrance President for Second Term

Gilles Pélisson has been unanimously reelected president of Unifrance for a second three-year term. Variety reported that the former TF1 Group chairman and CEO first assumed the role three years ago. Pélisson has worked with executive director Daniela Elstner to increase the visibility of French productions at festivals including Cannes, Berlin and Toronto, as well as the organization's own Rendez-Vous events.

Those gatherings bring together international buyers, distributors, sales agents and journalists. “I am very happy with the confidence that Unifrance’s board has renewed in me for the next three years,” Pélisson said after the vote. He added that the organization would build on its past work while facing both certainties and unknowns, and that its mission to promote French cinema and audiovisual works internationally remains essential.

During his first term, Pélisson guided Unifrance through its 2021 merger with TV France International, which combined film and television promotion under one body. The organization has since aligned promotion efforts for films, series, animation, documentaries and other audiovisual programs.

Unifrance was founded in 1949 and represents more than 1,000 French industry professionals, including producers, exporters, directors, actors, agents and distributors.

Pélisson said the group would continue to rely on support from the CNC and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs while advancing both established events and new initiatives.