France’s National Film Board Names Gaëtan Bruel President

Gaëtan Bruel, the former director of the French Cultural Services in the U.S., has been appointed president of France’s National Film Board (CNC), the country’s most powerful film institution.

The 36-year-old joins the CNC from France’s Ministry of Culture, where he’s worked as chief of staff since January 2024. Prior to that, he spearheaded the French Cultural Services, a division of the French Embassy with a footprint in nine American cities, from 2019 to 2023.

During those years, Bruel worked hand-in-hand with the CNC to promote French talent and the country’s audiovisual sector in the U.S., notably through the launch of a dedicated unit in Los Angeles. His biggest achievement is the creation of Villa Albertine, a U.S.-wide, customized residency program launched in 2021 for French creatives ranging from filmmakers to contemporary artists, VR creators and architects. So far, Villa Albertine has benefited 250 creators who were hosted in some 50 cities across the U.S.

Bruel also oversaw the overhaul of the French embassy’s support for the distribution of French cinema and led several initiatives to promote French professionals in the U.S. He notably extended the French embassy’s activities to the video game and digital creation sectors.

Bruel was appointed by French President Emmanuel Macron, under the recommendation of culture minister Rachida Dati, for a three-year mandate. He will take office Feb. 17, succeeding Olivier Henrard, the acting president of the CNC since 2024.

The government-backed organization plays a key role in the allocation of film and TV subsidies, as well as establishing rules applying to the local industry. France is rolling off a banner 2024, during which the country solidified its stance as Europe’s healthiest theatrical market.

In announcing Bruel’s appointment, the CNC said it “must continue to reinforce the excellence and competitiveness of the film, audiovisual and video game industries, in an international environment undergoing profound change, marked by digital challenges and the rise of artificial intelligence. At the same time, it must play its full part in fostering creativity and innovation within these sectors, with a particular focus on independent players.”