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October 19, 2005
Cultural imperialism: UNESCO reacts to US's foreign films
The Guardian reports on a global plan to protect film culture; after all, aren't American movies "foreign films" once they cross a border? "The UN's cultural agency, Unesco, is expected tomorrow to approve a convention that will allow countries to protect their cultures from globalisation, despite bitter opposition from the United States.A Franco-Canadian initiative, which has won broad backing as a swipe at US "cultural imperialism", could mean that countries will be able to subsidise domestic film industries and restrict foreign music and content on their radio and television stations in the name of preserving and promoting cultural diversity... The US, supported only by Israel, filed 27 amendments in an unsuccessful bid to water [this] down... criticising it as "flawed", "ambiguous" and "protectionist". France, which has long defended its right to a "cultural exception", could barely conceal its delight. "We are no longer the black sheep on this issue," said the culture minister, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, adding that the text was "a clear recognition" that cultural goods such as film, TV programmes and music are not "merchandise like any other" and should be treated separately in.. trade talks." [More at the link.]
Posted by pride at October 19, 2005 11:46 AM
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