Huge debate is happening after Netflix were ineligible to submit their shows, films, documentaries etc to the Cannes film festival.

In return they refused to show ANYTHING at the festival or be represented. Do they have a fair argument?

Or with the future of 'TV' being streamlined (literally) are Canne being snobby and 'elitist' and will eventually have to change with the times?

Netflix won't be the only major streaming service in the future. (That's like saying in the future there will only be one TV channel). Could Canne survive only showing niche independents and previewing guaranteed returns on cinema blockbusters?

Or will in years to come they double back and create categories - or change submission policies - to allow for streaming TV/film services to submit?

If Cannes shows the 'best of' in film screening it'd be dumb for them to miss out to appealing to younger generations by covering popular films offered via streaming instead of regular cinema going (Don't know many kids who both to go to cinemas these days most due to the expense of 3D tickets. But that's another discussion).

The Cannes Film Festival is a bubble world unto itself, as are many film festivals, but Cannes is one of the oldest and worst. While they have many rules concerning film entries and red carpet dress, it has evolved into a free-for-all after hours party for big and small in the film industry. That's before Weinstein imploded. As a film distributor, Weinstein representing Miramax always went to Cannes and got away with a lot of bad behavior there. This year they changed dramatically and of course there has been more talk about the gender equality reforms than there has been about the films being shown.

With Netflix there are real problems that goes beyond just festivals. Cannes follows French law and there is something about movies being shown in French theatres to qualify for completion. Well Netflix is not putting their movies in theatres, anywhere. Its also not looking for a distributor, if it intends to stream to its own network. If Netflix films get shown at Cannes, in or out of competition, where is the benefit to anybody but Netflix. If they were to win awards, it would take away from actual theatre playing films.

Once you allow streaming TV/film services to submit entries to any kind of awards show, we know what happens. Just look at the Emmy Awards. There is hardly a main channel TV show or an actor in a main channel TV show that is even nominated in a category anymore. Its all taken from cable shows of some kind. Not just Netflix either, they are all getting into making their own productions.

I don't care about the Cannes Film Festival, the organization is snobby and elite and has made a bunch of errors with its high art/wild partying approach. However I don't think they were wrong in drawing a line with Netflix this year. Cannes will have to figure out how it will adapt to the new environment in the future because entertainment distribution has changed and no one will need any festivals in a few years.

You detailed reply covered a lot of areas.

The HW scandal aside, I don't see how such festivals could stay afloat then if the big films aren't attracting viewership but the independents don't really get a look in.

I think even industry standard festivals like their award counterparts need a shake up, new blood and to re-define what's eligible or not.

With former 'shoe ins' like Star Wars bombing at the box office and streaming (even catch up players) receiving the lions share of viewership, it's down to change or eventually fold. If the younger viewers aren't tuning / attending in there won't be enough advert / ticket revenue to host shows and festivals in future generations.

I think going back to the viewing public and giving them a say would make all the difference. More inclusion from those who put down on the films and not just an elite group dictating what everyone 'should' watch.