As a film enthusiast with a penchant for the history of cinema, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Margaret Menegoz, the fearless matriarch of Les Films du Losange. Having lived through the tumultuous times of World War II and rising to prominence in the golden age of independent filmmaking, her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the art form we all love.
83-year-old Margaret Menegoz, a renowned film producer known for working with prestigious directors like Michael Haneke and Wim Wenders, has passed away.
For nearly half a century, I’ve proudly stood at the helm of Les Films du Losange, a renowned cinematic powerhouse that thrives on independent filmmaking and discovering fresh voices in the industry. With unwavering determination, I’ve steered this company with a firm yet compassionate hand, earning widespread acclaim for my leadership. My love for cinema has been the guiding force behind every decision I’ve made, driving us forward on our mission to bring unique and thought-provoking stories to life.
1941 saw the birth of Agnes Menegoz in Hungary amidst the turmoil of WW2. Her life took a turn when she moved to Germany during her childhood, eventually leading her into the film industry following her marriage to Robert Menegoz. Together, they traversed the globe, capturing documentaries. In 1975, Agnes joined Les Films du Losange and began working as an assistant under esteemed directors Eric Rohmer and Barbet Schroeder, who founded the company in 1962. Impressively, she ascended through the ranks and ultimately assumed the role of manager for the company.
Under Les Films du Losange’s leadership, they garnered an Oscar and three Palme d’Or awards at Cannes. They amassed a collection of approximately 100 esteemed films, such as Haneke’s “Amour,” which won the Cannes Palme d’or, along with an Oscar and Golden Globe for best foreign-language film. Another Haneke production by Les Films du Losange, “The White Ribbon,” also received the Palme d’Or and a Golden Globe. Additionally, they produced Rohmer’s “Le rayon vert,” which won the Venice Golden Lion, and Agnieszka Holland’s “Europa Europa,” which was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe.
Menegoz was recognized for her hands-on approach to leadership, collaborating closely with filmmakers throughout the entire filmmaking process, from scriptwriting to theater release. Her passion extended to all facets of film production, including its business aspects. In the 1980s, she established a theatrical distribution division, and later, an international sales department.
“The team at Les Films du Losange frequently quoted her: ‘A movie isn’t meant to gather dust on a shelf; it’s meant to be watched, everywhere, all the time.’ This was shared with EbMaster in a statement. She managed to establish Les Films du Losange as an autonomous company not just for production but also for distribution and international sales, maintaining a vibrant catalog even today. We deeply miss her rich, distinctive voice and accent.”
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been fortunate to witness some truly outstanding films, particularly those distributed in France. For instance, “L’avenir” by Mia Hansen-Love, masterfully produced by Charles Gillibert, was a standout with its Silver Bear for Best Director accolade. Additionally, Lars von Trier’s iconic works like the Palme d’Or-winning “Dancer in the Dark” and the Cannes jury prizewinning “Breaking The Waves,” have left indelible impressions on me.
Throughout her professional journey, Menegoz relentlessly served as the head of Unifrance’s film promotion organization from 2003 to 2009, driving initiatives to boost the global distribution of French movies.
As a movie lover, I’ve been deeply saddened by the passing of a truly remarkable figure in European cinema – Menegoz. Her demise has left a void that many prominent figures across Europe are struggling to fill, including Daniela Elstner, the current managing director of Unifrance. Having started her career at Les Films du Losange, Elstner’s statement was a heartfelt tribute to Menegoz’s relentless dedication.
“Elstner stated that Margaret didn’t merely work internationally, but rather embodied it. Her creations are a testament to her, her perspective, and her passion for the world. She served as an inspiration for numerous young women, including myself. Margaret was my mentor in the borderless realm of cinema, teaching me its infinite possibilities… Thank you, Margaret, we will deeply mourn your absence.”
During her departure from Les Films du Losange, which she sold to producers Gillibert and financier Alexis Dantec, Menegoz made a lasting impact on the company’s characteristic of supporting auteur films.
Read More
- ACT PREDICTION. ACT cryptocurrency
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- NBA 2K25 Review: NBA 2K25 review: A small step forward but not a slam dunk
- How to Handle Smurfs in Valorant: A Guide from the Community
- ESO Werewolf Build: The Ultimate Guide
- Mastering Destiny 2: Tips for Speedy Grandmaster Challenges
- Rainbow Six Siege directory: Quick links to our tips & guides
- Exploring Izanami’s Lore vs. Game Design in Smite: Reddit Reactions
- Overwatch Director wants to “fundamentally change” OW2 beyond new heroes and maps
2024-08-11 19:18