Isabelle Huppert has been appointed the new president of the Cinémathèque française, becoming the first woman to lead the prestigious Paris-based film institution since its founding in 1936. Elected by the board of directors on July 2, Huppert succeeds filmmaker Costa-Gavras, who held the position since June 2007. Her three-year term will run through 2029.
A Historic Leadership Transition
The appointment marks a significant shift for the Cinémathèque, which serves as a guardian of cinematic history. Costa-Gavras, 93, stepped down after a tenure that saw the institution solidify its role as a research and exhibition center. Huppert’s leadership will be supported by a newly elected executive team. Olivier Assayas and Claire Denis have been named vice-presidents, while Alice Winocour and Nicolas Philibert will serve as secretaries. Producer Saïd Ben Saïd assumes the role of treasurer, and Frédéric Bonnaud continues his work as the institution’s director general.
Isabelle Huppert’s Long-Standing Connection to Film
Huppert brings decades of experience to the role, having appeared in more than 150 film and television productions since her debut in 1972. Her relationship with the Cinémathèque is well-documented; the institution hosted a major retrospective of her work in 2006, shortly after it moved to its current Frank Gehry-designed building in the 12th arrondissement. Beyond her screen career, Huppert is an active participant in film preservation. Along with Ronald Chammah and their son Lorenzo Chammah, she is associated with two Parisian repertory cinemas: the Christine Cinéma Club and the École Cinéma Club.
Institutional Challenges and Future Goals
The incoming president inherits an institution that faces both administrative scrutiny and physical expansion. The Cinémathèque française, which houses 50,000 films and over a million artifacts, is currently navigating recommendations from the French Court of Audit (Cour des comptes). In February 2025, the court released a report highlighting concerns regarding the management of the institution’s film reserves, attendance, and its overall governance structure, calling for a statutory overhaul.
The leadership team is also preparing for a significant geographical expansion. Plans are currently underway to open a new branch of the Cinémathèque in Marseille, located on the campus of La Plateforme, with a projected opening date in April 2027.
Key Facts About the Cinémathèque française
- Founded: 1936.
- Current Location: 51 rue de Bercy, Paris (since 2005).
- Mission: Preservation of film history through restoration, exhibitions, and public screenings.
- Funding: Primarily supported by public subsidies.
As Huppert begins her term, the focus remains on balancing the institution’s historical mission with the modern requirements for transparency and accessibility. While her artistic credentials are well-established, the board’s decision signals a move toward addressing the institutional reforms suggested by recent audits while maintaining the Cinémathèque’s status as a leader in the global film community.