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Remembering Margaret Menegoz: A legacy of passion and innovation in cinema
Margaret Menegoz, a towering figure in the world of independent cinema, has passed away at the age of 83. Her remarkable journey through the film industry, marked by her leadership at Les Films du Losange, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of auteur-driven filmmaking.
A journey from Hungary to the heart of cinema
Born in Hungary in 1941, during the tumultuous times of World War II, Menegoz’s early life was shaped by the upheavals of the era. Growing up in Germany, she found her way into the film industry through her husband, Robert Menegoz. Together, they traveled the world, capturing stories through documentaries. This global perspective would later inform her approach to filmmaking and distribution.
Rising through the ranks at Les Films du Losange
In 1975, Menegoz joined Les Films du Losange, a company co-founded by the esteemed directors Eric Rohmer and Barbet Schroeder in 1962. Starting as an assistant, she quickly demonstrated her acumen and passion for cinema, rising to the position of manager. Under her leadership, the company flourished, becoming a beacon for independent filmmakers.
A catalog of cinematic excellence
Les Films du Losange, under Menegoz’s stewardship, amassed a prestigious library of films. Notable among these are Michael Haneke’s Amour, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe for best foreign-language film, and The White Ribbon, another Palme d’Or and Golden Globe winner. Eric Rohmer’s Le rayon vert, which clinched the Venice Golden Lion, and Agnieszka Holland’s Europa Europa, an Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film, also stand out in the company’s illustrious catalog.
A hands-on approach to filmmaking
Menegoz was renowned for her hands-on leadership style. She was deeply involved in every aspect of the filmmaking process, from script development to theatrical release. Her commitment to ensuring that films reached audiences was evident in her establishment of a theatrical distribution division in the 1980s and an international sales division a few years later.
A film is made to be seen
“There was a phrase she often said, ‘A film is not made to be on a shelf. It is made to be seen, always and everywhere,’” recalled the team at Les Films du Losange. This philosophy drove her efforts to make Les Films du Losange a powerhouse not only in production but also in distribution and international sales.
Championing award-winning films
Under Menegoz’s leadership, Les Films du Losange distributed numerous award-winning films in France. Mia Hansen-Love’s L’avenir, which won the Silver Bear for best director, and Lars von Trier’s Dancer in the Dark, a Palme d’Or winner, are just a few examples. The company also handled Breaking The Waves, which won the Cannes jury prize.
Leading Unifrance and promoting French cinema
Menegoz’s influence extended beyond Les Films du Losange. From 2003 to 2009, she led Unifrance, an organization dedicated to promoting French cinema internationally. Her efforts significantly boosted the global presence of French films, cementing her legacy as a champion of international cinema.
A mentor and inspiration
Her passing has been mourned by many in the film industry. Daniela Elstner, the current managing director of Unifrance, who began her career at Les Films du Losange, paid tribute to Menegoz’s fierce commitment. “Margaret didn’t work internationally, she embodied it. Her productions will talk about her, her way of thinking and loving the world,” said Elstner. “She was an example for many young women. I was one of them; Margaret taught me everything in this world of cinema which knows no borders and invites us to think outside of limits… Thank you Margaret, we will miss you terribly.”
A lasting impact on Les Films du Losange
Even after stepping down and selling Les Films du Losange to producer Charles Gillibert and financier Alexis Dantec, Menegoz’s influence remains deeply embedded in the company’s DNA. Her dedication to auteur-driven cinema and her innovative approach to film distribution continue to inspire filmmakers and industry professionals around the world.
Margaret Menegoz’s legacy is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the art of cinema. Her contributions have not only shaped the careers of countless filmmakers but have also enriched the cultural tapestry of global cinema.
