Political pressure on film and television festivals has become a central topic of discussion, highlighted during a panel at the Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. The session brought together festival organizers and industry leaders to address concerns about how political influences might affect artistic freedom. The Lumière Summit, an annual gathering focused on the future of cinema and television, has become a key platform for discussing the challenges faced by the entertainment industry. Séries Mania general director Laurence Herszberg was among the most vocal participants, emphasizing the need to protect the autonomy of programming decisions. She stated, "We don't judge artists by their passport, we judge them by their works." Her comments underscored a broader concern that creative decisions should be based on artistic merit rather than political considerations. The discussion also touched on the increasing role of governments and international bodies in shaping media content, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions. Some panelists noted that while funding and support from public institutions are essential, they must not come at the expense of creative independence. This issue is particularly relevant for festivals that often rely on public funding and international collaboration. As the global media landscape continues to evolve, the panel emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue between artists, festival organizers, and policymakers. The goal, as expressed by many participants, is to ensure that the artistic vision of creators remains at the heart of programming decisions, regardless of external pressures.