The decision was quick.
The organizing association of the Tours film festival, dedicated to contemporary Italian cinema, has decided to remove Jacques Doillon from the presidency of the jury for its 10th edition, which opens in less than two weeks, AFP learned this Friday.
After learning of the director's indictment on Thursday by actresses who had filmed with him, including Judith Godrèche, "we all looked at each other and said to ourselves:
we can't continue like this
", explained to AFP Bruno Lavillatte, president of the “Viva il cinema!
», scheduled for February 21 to 25.
“It’s a collective and collegial decision,” he said.
“Justice takes its course”
“Our festival is anchored in societal, environmental, social problems (…) It is contrary to the values that we defend, there was a contradiction,” continued Bruno Lavillatte.
“Of course, there is the rule of law, the presumption of innocence that we respect.
Justice takes its course (…) But we would have been completely uncomfortable having him as president (in these circumstances).
We often say
when in doubt, abstain
;
We judged the opposite:
when in doubt, decide
,” added the president of the event.
Also read: Freedom of speech: “It is extremely difficult to oppose someone who is known and esteemed”
The actress Judith Godrèche has filed a complaint for “rape of a minor” against the director Jacques Douillon, whom she accuses of having abused her when she was only 15 years old and played in his film “La fille de 15 years ".
Around fifteen films are programmed during “Viva il cinema!”
".
Among the guests, we note in particular the presence of Giorgio Diritti, director who was twice awarded the David di Donatello prize - the equivalent of the Césars - for best Italian film.
He will give a Masterclass in Tours and present one of his award-winning films, “Volevo nascondermi” (“I wanted to hide”).