04/09/2026
In memory of Tony Gatlif (1948–2026)
Tony Gatlif, the acclaimed French-Algerian-Roma filmmaker, has died at the age of 77.
Born in Algeria in 1948 to Romani parents of Spanish descent, Gatlif carried his dual heritage throughout his life and work. After moving to France and studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he turned repeatedly to the Romani community as a source of inspiration, reflection and belonging.
For more than five decades, Gatlif gave Roma lives, stories, music and journeys a powerful place on the screen. From his early films La Terre au ventre and Les Princes, which confronted the realities of displacement, poverty and marginalisation, to Latcho Drom, Gadjo Dilo,
Vengo, Korkoro, Exils, Djam and Ange, he created films that crossed borders and challenged the ways Roma people are seen and represented in cinema.
His cinema was deeply rooted in music. Latcho Drom became a vivid celebration of Romani musical traditions, while Gadjo Dilo brought the encounter between Roma and non-Roma worlds to international audiences. His films carried movement, freedom, longing and joy, but never turned away from exclusion, discrimination and the search for belonging.
Throughout his career, his work received international recognition, including the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes for Latcho Drom (1993), the Silver Leopard at Locarno for Gadjo Dilo (1997), and Best Director at Cannes for Exils (2004). He also received César Award for music.
But beyond the awards, Tony Gatlif leaves behind something far more enduring: a cinematic language through which Roma music, culture, movement and stories could be seen and heard on their own terms.
He did not simply make films about Roma. He made cinema that carried the rhythm and spirit of a people.
His voice was singular. His legacy will continue to inspire Roma filmmakers, artists and audiences around the world.
Latcho Drom, Tony.
Photo source: VALERY HACHE/AFP (LE MONDE)
