Rachid Bouchareb

Rachid Bouchareb (born 1 September 1953) is a French film director, producer, and screenwriter known especially for his films based on France's complex history and relationship with its former colony, Algeria. In addition to examining conflicts related to racial and cultural discrimination, Bouchareb has made substantial contributions to the film industry both as a creator and an influencer. Having Algerian origins, he started his career as an assistant director for French state television production company, Société française de production (S.F.P), from 1977 to 1984. Later, he became part of broadcasters TF1 and Antenne 2, while also finding time to direct some short films. By 1988, he had begun to delve into film production in collaboration with Jean Bréhat and Jean Bigot, creating the production company 3B Productions. His produced films like La Vie de Jésus, Humanité, Flanders have been honored at the Cannes Film Festival. Besides being a producer, Bouchareb also directed many feature films. Bouchareb's directing debut in the feature film segment came with Baton Rouge in 1985. Other films, such as Cheb, Poussières de vie (Dust of Life), Little Senegal, and Two Men in Town, have garnered wide recognition and accolades. His most prominent work, the film Days of Glory (2006), has helped unfreeze the pensions of several veterans from former French colonies. Moreover, his screenwriting has earned him accolades like the Caesar Award for Best Original Screenplay. In 2007, Bouchareb was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit, and he now stands as a board member for La Fémis, one of the world's best film schools.