Margaret Menegoz, Pioneering French Producer, Dies at 83

Lifetime of Achievement in French Film Industry

Margaret Menegoz, a Hungarian-born German-French producer, has died at the age of 83. She was a central figure in France’s film industry, serving as president of Les Films du Losange from 1975 to 2021 and president of Unifrance from 2003 to 2008.

Menegoz produced films for renowned directors such as Eric Rohmer, Barbet Schroeder, Wim Wenders, Andrzej Wajda, Agnieszka Holland, and Michael Haneke, including the latter’s Palme d’or-and Oscar-winning Amour in 2012.

Legacy and Tribute

The company issued a statement confirming her death, describing her as “open-minded towards Europe and the international scene, which she particularly cherished.” Her colleagues will miss her “beautiful, deep voice and unique accent terribly.”

Charles Gillibert, who currently runs Les Films du Losange, praised Menegoz as “a producer and builder who transformed a production company into one of Europe’s most prestigious film studios, without ever compromising her principles of creative freedom and loyalty to authors.”

Career Highlights

Menegoz launched Les Films Du Losange’s distribution division in 1986 and international sales arm in 1999. She also served as executive producer on Gaumont films during the 1980s, working on films such as Danton, The Lady Of The Camellias, and Swann In Love.

Her filmography includes Rohmer’s 1986 Venice Golden Lion winner The Green Ray, Wim Wenders’ The American Friend, Haneke’s Palme d’Or-winning The White Ribbon, and Agnieszka Holland’s Oscar-nominated Europa Europa.

Final Credit and Legacy

Menegoz’s last credit was as co-producer on Lionel Baier’s Continental Drift (South), which premiered in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in 2022. She was an officer of France’s prestigious Legion of Honour and a member of BAFTA, Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences, and European Film Academy.

The César Academy plans to pay tribute to Menegoz at its upcoming ceremony on February 28, 2025, calling her an “iconic figure of French cinema” who played a “decisive role” when she took over as president.

Conclusion

Margaret Menegoz’s remarkable career in French cinema has left a lasting impact on the industry. Her dedication to her craft, her love of films, and her loyalty to her filmmakers will be remembered for generations to come.

FAQs

Q: What was Margaret Menegoz’s role in the French film industry?
A: She was a pioneering producer who served as president of Les Films du Losange and Unifrance.

Q: What were some of her notable films?
A: She produced films for renowned directors such as Eric Rohmer, Barbet Schroeder, Wim Wenders, Andrzej Wajda, Agnieszka Holland, and Michael Haneke, including the latter’s Palme d’or-and Oscar-winning Amour in 2012.

Q: What was her legacy in the film industry?
A: Menegoz was known for her dedication to her craft, her love of films, and her loyalty to her filmmakers. She was a champion of independent production, distribution, and sales, and her work paved the way for future generations of filmmakers.