Roschdy Zem

Roschdy Zem is a celebrated French actor, filmmaker, producer and screenwriter of Moroccan descent. Born on 27th September 1965, he embarked on a versatile career refusing to be stereotyped into 'Beur' roles. Zem's acting prowess extends to roles such as a Napoleon's general in 'Monsieur N.' (2003), a Jewish father in 'Va, vis et deviens' (Live and Become, 2005), and a transvestite in 'Change moi ma vie' (Change My Life, 2001) alongside Fanny Ardant. His performances illuminate both mainstream French society's issues and facets of French and North African history, as seen in 'Indigènes' (Days of Glory, 2006) and 'Camping à la ferme' (2005), based on a script from Azouz Begag.

His directorial debut, 'Omar Killed Me' (2011), was designated the Moroccan entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards. Noteworthy works in his vast filmography include 'Les keufs' (1987), 'I Don't Kiss' (1991), 'My Favorite Season' (1993), 'Don't Forget You're Going to Die' (1995), and 'The Best Job in the World' (1996) among many others. Zem shared the Best Actor award at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival for his role in 'Days of Glory'. His later work extends into television, notably with 'Savages (Les Sauvages)' in 2019.