In 2024, Unifrance will set up an endowment fund to promote French cinema and audiovisual works and creators.
This will enable the organization, which was founded in 1949 and has over 1,000 members, to mobilize and lead a network of patrons who will contribute through their donations to the promotion of French culture, its films, series, short films, documentaries, animated and immersive works.
In 2024, the Accor Group becomes Major Patron of the Unifrance Endowment Fund for three years. Accor has been committed to supporting arts and culture for many years, not only by collecting and exhibiting works of art in its hotels, but also through partnerships and sponsorships within the community and around the world.
The presidency is entrusted to Maud Bailly, CEO of the luxury brands Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery & Emblems of the Accor Group. Gilles Pélisson, President of Unifrance, is Vice-Chairman. The endowment fund also counts Vranken-Pommery Monopole as a patron. Further discussions are in progress.
Gilles Pélisson, President of Unifrance: “By creating this endowment fund, Unifrance will now be able to enable companies and private partners to contribute as patrons to the dissemination of French culture in all its diversity and to the promotion of our cultural exception.
Unifrance takes French culture around the world and, through its works and encounters with creators, creates irreplaceable moments of collective emotion, conducive to exchanges and closer ties between peoples. Unifrance and our patrons, as well as all those who wish to join the endowment fund, have a fine and noble mission ahead of them.
I would like to thank the Accor Group, and in particular Sébastien Bazin, Maud Bailly, and Patrick Mendes, for their commitment to our cause. This new collaboration reflects the values shared by both Unifrance and Accor in the service of our art of living and our profoundly humanist culture, open to others.”
Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery & Emblems: “Culture has always held a special place in my heart and in my life. It has the unique power to bring men and women together, ensuring closer proximity between values, beliefs, traditions, and customs. By building bridges between people, it encourages dialogue, sharing, and, ultimately, peace – something we need more than ever. It's an immense privilege for me to become President of the Endowment Fund, to help disseminate the influence of French cinematographic and audiovisual creation, and of exceptional talent, to the four corners of the globe.”
The other members of the Board of Directors are Sidonie Dumas (CEO of Gaumont), Emmanuelle Bouilhaguet (CEO of TOP - The Originals Productions), and Olivier Henrard (Acting President of the CNC).
