A graduate of Reims Management School, Emmanuel Benbihy demonstrates an early interest in art and international trade. During his studies, he displays a passion for contemporary painting and philosophy (art, law, nature), studies abroad and, while still in his teens, creates and run a Parisian restaurant dedicated to classical music, the Opus Café. Several internships in the US and England give him a grounding in international marketing. This leads him to two years as main buyer for a Los Angeles import-export company specializing in fine foods. This period also gives him the opportunity to work with an independent film producer on the financial set-up of a feature film.
Back in France in 1994, he spends over a year working on the co-development of European and Asian cinemas, while studying Japanese at the Langues’O. He also attends many foreign markets. His research is sent to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CNC , and becomes his central theme of research at La Sorbonne University (Strategic Analysis in Cinema). This period of reflexion on the industry of film is decisive: cinema should serve diversity and peace. He chooses his profession: producing world films. In 1996, he joins an independent production company whose first project is an international collection of 12 feature films inspired by parables from the New Testament. For this non-denominational project, he represents the company in international markets and festivals, manages relations with the filmmakers, supervises script development, prepares international production and distribution agreements, and builds a strong network of contacts and private investors. He raises a development fund, and takes his first steps in the industry, mostly abroad.
In April 2000, the development of the film Paris, je t’aime begins with a simple idea: 20 arrondissements, 20 directors, 20 love encounters. Emmanuel determines a production timeline for the project, and little by little puts together the principal elements needed for its development and production: narrative development, artistic and technical specifications, material to approach directors and talents, contracts, consistent marketing strategy and international approach to film financing. All these elements are today part of the ] concept. Simultaneously, Emmanuel produces Abjad a period Iranian film shot during the Afghan war directed by Abolfazl Jalili, and selected in official competition at the Venice Film Festival 2003 against the will of Iranian authorities.
The production of Paris, je t’aime starts in July 2005 and involves 24 international directors. The film is pre-sold in numerous territories at high levels, and opens the Cannes Film Festival 2006, Un Certain regard section, in presence of the talents involved. Paris, je t’aime has proven to be a wonderfully creative experience for all the talents involved. Internationally acclaimed directors such as the Coen brothers, Alexander Payne, Gus Van Sant, Alfonso Cuaron, Wes Craven, Walter Salles, Tom Tykwer, and artists among which Elijah Wood, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Natalie Portman, Nick Nolte, Gena Rowlands, Gérard Depardieu truly enjoyed participating in this film. It also enjoyed a tremendous success worldwide and went over 5 M$ Box Office in the US. The first opus of the ] concept convinces Emmanuel that the adventure should move forward on other continents, in New York, Jerusalem, Istanbul, Shanghai, and South America.
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