The People Speak Radio

Philippe Diaz

Cinema Libre Studio

Previously Aired On: August 28, 2007 - Listen to the Show

Born in Paris France, Philippe Diaz studied Philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris, and began his film career as a director in 1980. After directing and producing several short feature and documentary films, commercials and corporate videos, Diaz moved fully into the producer’s role with his first feature film, “Havre” by Juliet Berto (cult actor/director of the French New Wave). His second feature, “Rue Du Depart” by Tony Gatlif (“Gadjo Dilo”) starred Gérard Depardieu, winning several Grand Prize awards at major international festivals.

His third feature, “Mauvais Sang” by Leos Carax (the first film about AIDS) became an international hit, winning one of most important awards in France, the 1986 Louis Delluc award, and was also nominated for 3 Césars (the French Oscar) as well as winning major awards around the world. This was a movie known for defining a generation, as well as for launching the careers of Juliette Binoche and Julie Delpy.

Continuing his search for new talent and for producing films that appeal to global audiences, Diaz produced THE BENGALI NIGHT (shot in English in India) that launched the career of directorNicholas Klotz and featured Hugh Grant in his first leading role along with John Hurt and Indianmega-star Shabana Azmi. This film marked the beginning of Diaz’s, collaboration with American studios, in particular Columbia Pictures, and the opening of his first US based production company in Los Angeles, Sceneries Entertainment.

Soon after, New Line Cinema tapped Diaz to co-finance and produce “The Man Inside”, a political thriller directed by Bobby Roth with Jurgen Prochnow and Peter Coyote.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1991, he has continued to produce films with budgets ranging from $200,000 and $15 million under his production shingle. With “Heavy Metal 2000”, he was able to broaden his production knowledge with the animated production and his collaboration with Columbia/TriStar.

In 2003, he created Cinema Libre Studio, with a consortium of partners to provide an alternative structure for intelligent, independent films to get developed, financed, produced and distributed. As media consolidation increases, independently distributed films are one of the few outlets remaining for free speech, alternative views andmovies with a message.

The significance of independently produced and distributed films has grown exponentially as audiences clamor to see feature films and documentaries that introduce new ideas, are socially conscious and that may challenge the status-quo. Cinema Libre Studio believes that movies can make a difference.

August 28th, 2007 Posted by admin | --Previous Guests--, Philippe Diaz | one comment