Catherine Corsini Defends Herself Against Accusations on Set of Cannes Contender

Director Catherine Corsini and producer Elisabeth Perez have denied allegations of mistreatment of crew members and young actors during the shoot of their upcoming Cannes Palme d’Or contender, Le Retour. The allegations included a lack of safeguarding of minors and the addition of a masturbation scene featuring a first-time actress who was 15 years old at the time, without informing the relevant bodies overseeing the protection of minors on set. The film was investigated and added to the Cannes Film Festival’s main Competition. The French film industry is divided in its response to the reports and the festival’s decision to add the film to Competition.