South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron launched the 'Lumière Partnership' on September 7, 2026, committing a total of €1 billion (approximately 1.6 trillion won) to the film and video industry over the next five years. Each country will contribute €500 million to strengthen their respective industries and expand joint investment and production, supporting local content's entry into the global market.
In his opening speech at the 'Lumière Summit' held at the Fondation Mag in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, President Lee stated, "I would like to announce the launch of a global investment cooperation initiative for the prosperity and coexistence of the film and video industry."
He added, "This partnership, proposed by South Korea and welcomed by France, will not only invigorate our domestic film and video industries but also serve as a solid stepping stone for local content to reach the global stage. I hope this partnership transcends bilateral relations and becomes a beacon illuminating a new future for the global film and video industry."
President Macron emphasized the economic and social value of the investment, stating, "Images are important to our economy, as film, television, and video games are key industries that create jobs, investment, innovation, and growth." He noted that no country can build this future alone, stressing the need for a global response as technology, capital, images, and audiences cross borders.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of focusing on people and creativity rather than resisting technological changes. Macron pointed out that algorithms influence video consumption and that existing funding models are being restructured, stating, "It is not our responsibility to stop this change. However, we must set the direction for it."
President Lee also warned that failing to adapt to changing times would lead to a clear crisis, but actively responding could present significant opportunities. He proposed creating an era where artificial intelligence develops more responsibly and human-centered, ensuring that its benefits provide new opportunities for everyone. He identified four key challenges for the industry: the crisis of theaters, the threats and opportunities posed by AI, support for independent films and diversity, and cooperation between local and global entities.
He pledged that South Korea would continue to be a partner in the global film and video ecosystem, emphasizing the need for national support and multilateral cooperation, as independent films are a source of new imagination and narratives.
President Macron characterized the summit as a milestone for 'multilateralism of projects and actions' involving nations, creators, producers, broadcasters, platforms, cinemas, game and technology companies, and international organizations. He highlighted the preservation of audiovisual heritage, image education, and support for independent cinemas in vulnerable areas as key tasks, stating, "Our challenge is not to celebrate a golden age but to open a new era of creation."
On this day, the two leaders adopted the 'Lumière Declaration on the Future of Film and Video,' stating that "human creativity must always remain at the center and foundation of works." They agreed to protect intellectual property rights while embracing technologies like AI. Additionally, they outlined 15 joint principles, including investment in creation, safeguarding diversity in works, expanding international co-production, addressing illegal reproduction, reaffirming the value of the theater experience, and universalizing audiovisual education.
About 200 participants, including culture ministers, international organization officials, directors, actors, and industry experts from over 50 countries, attended the summit. The two countries plan to combine the strengths of France, the birthplace of cinema, and South Korea, a powerhouse of K-content, to materialize investment outcomes into joint projects.
Following the summit, President Lee engaged in discussions with prominent South Korean filmmakers, including directors Lee Chang-dong and Jeong Joo-ri, and actors Seol Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Do-young, as well as Netflix Asia-Pacific content head Kim Min-young. He also had an official lunch with President Macron and his wife. Subsequently, he discussed industry issues with representatives from CJ ENM, Naver, Netflix, the Motion Picture Association (MPA), and Media One.
Lastly, President Lee is expected to meet with representatives from MPA member companies, including Netflix, Disney, Sony, and NBCUniversal, to evaluate K-content investments exceeding 1 trillion won annually and encourage continued investment. After concluding his schedule in Nice, he will move to Paris to continue his state visit starting September 8.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.