Hall of Fame: ESRA Alumni

Feature-length fiction films, genre films, and documentaries—ranging from popular comedies to films selected for international film festivals. Learn more about the ESRA Cinema program.

In this section: Éric Toledano · Carine Tardieu · Jean-François Richet · Pierre Morel · Rémi Bezançon · Louis-Julien Petit · Florent-Emilio Siri · Pascal Laugier · Claus Drexel · Stéphane Robelin · Nicolas Bary · Julien Maury · Karin Albou · Stéphane Cazes · Leïla Marrakchi · Narjiss Nejjar · Jeon Soo-il · Virginie Sauveur · Winfried Bonengel · César Ducasse · Issa Serge Coelo · Valentin Potier · Akaki Popkhadze · Enya Baroux · Peter Dourountzis · David Charhon · Marc Gibaja · Marc Barrat · Guy Mazarguil · Alfred Lot · Jennifer Devoldere · Romain Nicolas · Didier Delaitre · Dominique Tabuteau · Mathieu Giombini · Éric Dupotet · Caroline Dupotet · Yohann Charrin · David Morley · Arnold de Parscau · Katia Quéméré · Jérôme Espla · Safy Nebbou · Daniel Cohen · Rodolphe Tissot

Éric Toledano — ESRA 1994

Director, Screenwriter. Éric Toledano, ESRA 1994, is a director. He directed *The Intouchables*, *Le Sens de la fête*, *Hors normes*, and *Nos jours heureux*. He received the 2020 César des Lycéens award for *Hors normes*.

Filmography: The Intouchables, The Joy of the Party, Beyond the Norm, Our Happy Days, Samba

Films: *The Intouchables*, starring François Cluzet and Omar Sy; *Le Sens de la fête*, starring Jean-Pierre Bacri, Gilles Lellouche, and Jean-Paul Rouve; *Hors normes*, starring Vincent Cassel and Reda Kateb; *Nos jours heureux*, starring Jean-Paul Rouve, Marilou Berry, and Omar Sy; *Samba*, starring Omar Sy, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Tahar Rahim.

• 2020 High School Students' César Award for *Hors normes*
• Nominated for a César Award for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay in 2012 (*The Intouchables*), 2018 (*Le Sens de la fête*), and 2020 (*Hors normes*)
• Nominated for the 2020 César Audience Award (*Hors normes*)

He has been directing alongside Olivier Nakache since their early days. Between the two of them, they have received 11 nominations: it’s the most decorated track record in the school’s history.

Carine Tardieu — ESRA 1997

Director, Screenwriter. Carine Tardieu, a 1997 graduate of ESRA, is a director. She directed *L'Attachement*, *La Tête de maman*, *Ôtez-moi d'un doute*, and *Du vent dans les mollets*. She won the César Award for Best Film in 2026 and the César Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2026 for *L'Attachement*.

Filmography: *L'Attachement*, *La Tête de maman*, *Ôtez-moi d'un doute*, *Du vent dans les mollets*

Cast: *L'Attachement*, starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Pio Marmaï.

• 2026 César Award for Best Picture for *L'Attachement*
• 2026 César Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *L'Attachement*
• Nominated for the 2026 César Award for Best Director
• Selected for the 2024 Venice Film Festival (L'Attachement)

With *L'Attachement*, she won the school's first César Award for Best Picture in 2026.

Jean-François Richet — ESRA 1990

Film Director. Jean-François Richet, a 1990 graduate of ESRA, is a film director. He directed *Mesrine: L'Instinct de mort*, *Mesrine: L'Ennemi public n°1*, *L'Assaut*, and *Blood Father*. He received the 2009 César Award for Best Director for *Mesrine*.

Filmography: *Mesrine: The Instinct of Death*, *Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1*, *The Assault*, *Blood Father*, *My 6-T Is Gonna Crack*

Cast: *Mesrine: The Instinct of Death*, starring Vincent Cassel, Cécile de France, and Gérard Depardieu; *Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1*, starring Vincent Cassel, Ludivine Sagnier, and Mathieu Amalric; *The Assault*, starring Vincent Elbaz and Grégori Dérangère; *Blood Father*, starring Mel Gibson and Erin Moriarty.

• 2009 César Award for Best Director for *Mesrine*
• Nominated for the César Award for Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay in 2009 (Mesrine)
• Nominated for the 1996 César Award for Best First Feature Film (*État des lieux*)

He made the transition from French independent cinema to Hollywood.

Pierre Morel — ESRA 1986

Film Director, Director of Photography. Pierre Morel, a 1986 graduate of ESRA, is a film director. He directed *Taken*, *Banlieue 13*, *From Paris with Love*, and *The Gunman*.

Filmography: Taken, District 13, From Paris with Love, The Gunman

Films: *Taken*, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen; *District 13*, starring Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle; *From Paris with Love*, starring John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.

A cinematographer turned director, he created *Taken*, one of the biggest international hits in French cinema.

Rémi Bezançon — ESRA 1995

Director, Screenwriter. Rémi Bezançon, a 1995 graduate of ESRA, is a director. He directed *Le Premier Jour du reste de ta vie*, *Un heureux événement*, *Zarafa*, and *Ma vie en l'air*. He received three César Award nominations in 2009—for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay—for *Le Premier Jour du reste de ta vie*.

Filmography: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life, A Happy Event, Zarafa, My Life in the Air

Cast: *The First Day of the Rest of Your Life*, starring Jacques Gamblin, Zabou Breitman, and Déborah François; *A Happy Event*, starring Louise Bourgoin and Pio Marmaï.

• Three nominations at the 2009 César Awards—for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay—for *The First Day of the Rest of Your Life*
• Nominated for the 2013 César Award for Best Animated Film (Zarafa)

Louis-Julien Petit — ESRA 2004

Director, Screenwriter. Louis-Julien Petit, ESRA 2004, is a director. He directed *Les Invisibles*, *La Brigade*, *Discount*, and *En haut de la pile*.

Filmography: *Les Invisibles*, *La Brigade*, *Discount*, *En haut de la pile*

Cast: *Les Invisibles*, starring Audrey Lamy, Corinne Masiero, and Noémie Lvovsky; *La Brigade*, starring Audrey Lamy and François Cluzet.

Social cinema that resonates with the general public.

Florent-Emilio Siri — ESRA 1988

Film Director. Florent-Emilio Siri, ESRA 1988, is a film director. He directed *Nid de guêpes*, *Otage*, *L'Ennemi intime*, and *Cloclo*.

Filmography: *The Wasp's Nest*, *Hostage*, *The Intimate Enemy*, *Cloclo*

Films: *L'Ennemi intime*, starring Benoît Magimel and Albert Dupontel; *Cloclo*, starring Jérémie Renier.

A French director who has worked in American film production, starring Bruce Willis in *Hostage*.

Pascal Laugier — ESRA 1993

Director, Screenwriter. Pascal Laugier, ESRA 1993, is a director. He directed *Martyrs*, *Saint Ange*, *Incident in a Ghostland*, and *The Tall Man*.

Filmography: *Martyrs*, *Saint Ange*, *Incident in a Ghostland*, *The Tall Man*

Cast: *Martyrs*, starring Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï; *Incident in a Ghostland*, starring Crystal Reed and Anastasia Phillips.

A leading figure in French genre cinema, recognized internationally.

Claus Drexel — ESRA 1994

Film Director, Documentary Filmmaker. Claus Drexel, ESRA 1994, is a film director. He directed *Au bord du monde*, *America*, *Une affaire de famille*, and *Sous les étoiles de Paris*. He was nominated for the 2019 César Award for Best Documentary (*America*).

Filmography: At the Edge of the World, America, A Family Affair, Under the Stars of Paris

• Nominated for the 2019 César Award for Best Documentary (America)

Stéphane Robelin — ESRA 1994

Director, Screenwriter. Stéphane Robelin, ESRA 1994, is a director. He directed *Et si on vivait tous ensemble ?*, *Un profil pour deux*, and *Real Movie*.

Filmography: What If We All Lived Together?, One Profile for Two, Real Movie

Cast: *What If We All Lived Together?*, starring Jane Fonda, Pierre Richard, Guy Bedos, and Geraldine Chaplin.

Nicolas Bary — ESRA 2001

Film Director. Nicolas Bary, ESRA 2001, is a film director. He directed *Les Enfants de Timpelbach*, *Au bonheur des ogres*, and *Le Petit Spirou*.

Filmography: The Children of Timpelbach, The Ogre's Paradise, Little Spirou

Julien Maury — ESRA 2001

Film Director. Julien Maury, ESRA 2001, is a film director. He directed *À l'intérieur*, *Livide*, *Leatherface*, and *Le Mangeur d'âmes*.

Filmography: *Inside*, *Livide*, *Leatherface*, *The Soul Eater*, *Deep House*

He co-directs with Alexandre Bustillo, who is not a graduate of the school.

Karin Albou — ESRA 1991

Director, Screenwriter. Karin Albou, a 1991 graduate of ESRA, is a director. She directed *La Petite Jérusalem* and *Le Chant des mariées*. She was nominated for a César Award for Best First Feature in 2006 (*La Petite Jérusalem*).

Filmography: Little Jerusalem, The Song of the Brides

• Nominated for the 2006 César Award for Best First Feature Film (La Petite Jérusalem)

Stéphane Cazes — ESRA 2004

Filmmaker. Stéphane Cazes, ESRA 2004, is a filmmaker. He directed *Ombline* and *Les Têtes givrées*.

Filmography: Ombline, Les Têtes givrées

An alumnus who has become a speaker at the school.

Leïla Marrakchi — ESRA 1996

Director, Screenwriter. Leïla Marrakchi, a 1996 graduate of ESRA, is a director. She directed *Marock* and *Rock the Casbah*.

Filmography: Marock, Rock the Casbah

Narjiss Nejjar — ESRA 1995

Film Director. Narjiss Nejjar, ESRA 1995, is a film director. She directed *Les Yeux secs*.

Filmography: *Les Yeux secs*

Jeon Soo-il — ESRA 1992

Film Director. Jeon Soo-il, a 1992 graduate of ESRA, is a film director. He directed *The Little Girl from the Black Earth* and *Between Dog and Wolf*.

Filmography: The Little Girl from the Black Earth, Between Dog and Wolf

A South Korean filmmaker trained in France, whose films are regularly selected for international film festivals.

Virginie Sauveur — ESRA 1998

Film Director. Virginie Sauveur, ESRA 1998, is a film director. She directed *Magnificat* and *Celle qui reste*.

Filmography: *Magnificat*, *The One Who Remains*

Winfried Bonengel — ESRA 1988

Film Director, Documentary Filmmaker. Winfried Bonengel, ESRA 1988, is a film director. He directed *Führer Ex* and *Wir sind wieder da*.

Filmography: *Führer Ex*, *We're Back*

César Ducasse — ESRA 2001

Filmmaker. César Ducasse, ESRA 2001, is a filmmaker. He directed *Lies Inc.* and *Dark Souls*.

Filmography: Lies Inc., Dark Souls

Issa Serge Coelo — ESRA 1988

Filmmaker. Issa Serge Coelo, ESRA ’88, is a filmmaker. He directed *Daresalam*, *Tartina City*, and *A Taxi to Aouzou*. He was nominated for a César Award for Best Short Film in 1997 (*A Taxi to Aouzou*).

Filmography: Daresalam, Tartina City, A Taxi to Aouzou

• Nominated for the 1997 César Award for Best Short Film (A Taxi to Aouzou)

Chadian filmmaker, a leading figure in Central African cinema.

Valentin Potier — ESRA 2000

Film Director. Valentin Potier, ESRA 2000, is a film director. He directed *Prodigieuses* (2024).

Filmography: Prodigieuses (2024)

Akaki Popkhadze — ESRA

Filmmaker. Akaki Popkhadze is a filmmaker and an ESRA alumnus. He directed *Brûle le sang* (2025).

Filmography: *Brûle le sang* (2025)

Enya Baroux — ESRA 2013

Filmmaker. Enya Baroux, ESRA 2013, is a filmmaker. She directed *On ira* (2025).

Filmography: *On ira* (2025)

Peter Dourountzis — ESRA 2000

Film Director. Peter Dourountzis, ESRA 2000, is a film director. He directed *Vaurien*. He was selected for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival (*Vaurien*).

Filmography: Vaurien

• Selected for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival (Vaurien)

David Charhon — ESRA 1998

Film Director. David Charhon, ESRA '98, is a film director. He directed *Cyprien* and *De l'autre côté du périph*.

Filmography: Cyprien, On the Other Side of the Beltway

Marc Gibaja — ESRA 1990

Film Director. Marc Gibaja, ESRA class of 1990, is a film director. He directed *My Life Is Not a Romantic Comedy*.

Filmography: My Life Isn't a Romantic Comedy

Marc Barrat — ESRA 1991

Film Director. Marc Barrat, ESRA class of 1991, is a film director. He directed *Orpailleur*.

Filmography: *The Gold Digger*

Guy Mazarguil — ESRA 1981

Director, Screenwriter. Guy Mazarguil, ESRA class of 1981, is a director. He directed *L'Art de séduire*, *Façade*, and *La Vérité sur le vif*.

Filmography: The Art of Seduction, Façade, The Truth in the Moment

Alfred Lot — ESRA

Film Director. Alfred Lot is a film director and an ESRA alumnus. He directed *La Chambre des morts* and *Une petite zone de turbulence*.

Filmography: *The Chamber of the Dead*, *A Small Area of Turbulence*

Jennifer Devoldere — ESRA

Filmmaker. Jennifer Devoldere is a filmmaker and an ESRA alumna. She directed *Le Panache* and *Sage Homme*.

Filmography: *Le Panache*, *Sage Homme*

Romain Nicolas — ESRA 2005

Film Director. Romain Nicolas, ESRA 2005, is a film director. He directed *Par les épines*.

Filmography: Through the Thorns

Didier Delaitre — ESRA 1984

Film Director. Didier Delaitre, ESRA '84, is a film director. He directed *Tous sans exception*.

Filmography: All of Them, Without Exception

He also directs TV movies and series.

Dominique Tabuteau — ESRA 1976

Film Director. Dominique Tabuteau, ESRA '76, is a film director.

Director of TV movies and television series.

Mathieu Giombini — ESRA 1998

Filmmaker. Mathieu Giombini is a filmmaker. He directed *Athos*.

Filmography: Athos

Éric Dupotet — ESRA 2000

Film Director. Éric Dupotet, ESRA 2000, is a film director. He directed *Dans son sommeil*.

Filmography: In Her Sleep

Co-directed with Caroline Dupotet.

Caroline Dupotet — ESRA 2003

Filmmaker. Caroline Dupotet, ESRA 2003, is a filmmaker. She directed *Dans son sommeil*.

Filmography: In Her Sleep

Co-directed with Éric Dupotet.

Yohann Charrin — ESRA 2024

Filmmaker. Yohann Charrin, ESRA 2024, is a filmmaker. He directed *Mise au vert*.

Filmography: A Break in the Countryside

David Morley — ESRA

Director. David Morley is a director and an ESRA alumnus. He directed *Mutants*.

Filmography: Mutants

Arnold de Parscau — ESRA 2011

Filmmaker. Arnold de Parscau, ESRA 2011, is a filmmaker. He directed *Ablations*.

Filmography: Ablations

Katia Quéméré — ESRA 2003

Filmmaker, Documentary Filmmaker. Katia Quéméré, ESRA 2003, is a filmmaker. She directed *30 Years Elsewhere*.

Filmography: 30 Years Away

Jérôme Espla — ESRA 1998

Film Director, Documentary Filmmaker. Jérôme Espla, ESRA 1998, is a film director. He directed *Le Sommeil des épaves*.

Filmography: *The Sleep of Wrecks*

Maxime Roy — ESRA 2010

Filmmaker. Maxime Roy, ESRA 2010, is a filmmaker. He directed *Beautiful Loser* and *Des gens bien*. He has received two César Award nominations for Best Short Film: in 2019 and 2021.

Filmography: *Beautiful Loser*, *Des gens bien*

• Two César Award nominations for Best Short Film: 2019 and 2021

Stéphanie Duvivier — ESRA 1996

Filmmaker. Stéphanie Duvivier, ESRA ’96, is a filmmaker. She directed *Hymne à la gazelle* and *Un roman policier*. She was nominated for a César Award for Best Short Film in 2005 (*Hymne à la gazelle*).

Filmography: *Ode to the Gazelle*, *A Detective Novel*

• Nominated for the 2005 César Award for Best Short Film (Hymne à la gazelle)

Safy Nebbou — ESRA Class of 1995

Filmmaker. Safy Nebbou is a filmmaker and screenwriter. His films include *Fils de personne*.

Filmography: Nobody's Son

Daniel Cohen — ESRA 1998

Director and screenwriter. Daniel Cohen is a director and screenwriter. Among other works, he directed *Le Bonheur des uns…*.

Filmography: The Happiness of Some…

Rodolphe Tissot — ESRA 1995

Director and screenwriter. Rodolphe Tissot is a director and screenwriter. Among other projects, he directed the series *La Rebelle: The Adventures of the Young George Sand*.

Filmography: *La Rebelle: The Adventures of Young George Sand*

The first assistant director organizes the set and serves as the link between the director and the technical crew. Learn more about the ESRA Film program.

Stéphane Gluck — ESRA 1986

First Assistant Director. Stéphane Gluck, ESRA 1986, is a first assistant director. He has worked on *Taxi* by Gérard Pirès, *The Diving Bell and the Butterfly* by Julian Schnabel, and *Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets* by Luc Besson.

Filmography: Taxi; The Diving Bell and the Butterfly; District 13: Ultimatum; Jappeloup; Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets; Storm

Cast: *The Diving Bell and the Butterfly*, starring Mathieu Amalric and Emmanuelle Seigner; *Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets*, starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.

Carole Schmidlin — ESRA 2001

First Assistant Director. Carole Schmidlin, ESRA 2001, is a first assistant director. She has worked on the series *Emily in Paris*, as well as on Luc Besson’s *Lucy* and *Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets*.

Filmography: Emily in Paris; Lucy; Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets; Pax Massilia

Featuring: *Lucy*, starring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman; *Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets*, starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.

Valérie Aragües — ESRA 1990

First Assistant Director. Valérie Aragües, a 1990 graduate of ESRA, is a first assistant director. She worked on *Un p'tit truc en plus*, directed by Artus.

Filmography: A Little Something Extra

Cast: *Un p'tit truc en plus*, starring Artus, Clovis Cornillac, and Alice Belaïdi.

Directors of Photography and Camera Operators on French productions and international film shoots. Learn more about the ESRA Cinema program.

Romain Lacourbas — ESRA 2001

Director of Photography. Romain Lacourbas, ESRA 2001, is a director of photography. He served as director of photography on *John Wick: Ballerina*, *Rémi Without a Family*, and *Marco Polo*.

Filmography: John Wick: Ballerina, Rémi Without a Family, Marco Polo

He is the cinematographer for American productions and international series.

Kanamé Onoyama — ESRA 2007

Director of Photography. Kanamé Onoyama, ESRA 2007, is the director of photography. He served as director of photography on "Azizam," a music video by Ed Sheeran directed by Saman Kesh; "Sounds of the Skeng," a music video by Stormzy; "Wake Me Up," a music video by Foals; and "Always Ascending," a music video by Franz Ferdinand.

Filmography: "Azizam," a music video for Ed Sheeran directed by Saman Kesh; "Sounds of the Skeng," a music video for Stormzy; "Wake Me Up," a music video for Foals; "Always Ascending," a music video for Franz Ferdinand; "Station 13," a music video for Indochine

Director of photography for music videos, with 25 credited videos since 2014.

Stéphen Méance — ESRA 2010

Director of Photography. Stéphen Méance, ESRA 2010, is a director of photography. He served as director of photography on *L’Arnaqueuse* and *L’Infiltrée*.

Filmography: *The Con Artist*, *The Undercover Agent*

Award-winning film editors nominated for César Awards and the Berlinale, working across genres from documentaries to genre films. Learn more about the ESRA Cinema program.

Sophie Reine — ESRA 1992

Editor, Director. Sophie Reine, a 1992 graduate of ESRA, is an editor. She edited *Le Premier Jour du reste de ta vie*, *La French*, *Cigarettes*, and *Chocolat chaud*. She won the 2009 César Award for Best Editing for *Le Premier Jour du reste de ta vie*.

Filmography: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life, La French, Cigarettes and Hot Chocolate

Cast: *The First Day of the Rest of Your Life*, starring Jacques Gamblin, Zabou Breitman, and Déborah François; *La French*, starring Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lellouche.

• 2009 César Award for Best Editing for *The First Day of the Rest of Your Life*
• Nominated for the 2017 César Award for Best First Feature Film (*Cigarettes and Hot Chocolate*), which she directed

From film editor to director: her career path illustrates the fluidity of the film industry.

Tina Baz — ESRA 1992

Editor. Tina Baz, ESRA 1992, is an editor. She edited Adolescentes. She received the César Award for Best Editing in 2021 for Adolescentes.

Filmography: Teen Girls

• César Award for Best Editing 2021 for Adolescentes

Florent Vassault — ESRA 1999

Film Editor. Florent Vassault, a 1999 graduate of ESRA, is a film editor. He edited *La Belle Époque*. He was nominated for the 2020 César Award for Best Film Editing (*La Belle Époque*).

Filmography: La Belle Époque

Cast: *La Belle Époque*, starring Daniel Auteuil, Guillaume Canet, Doria Tillier, and Fanny Ardant.

• Nominated for the 2020 César Award for Best Film Editing (La Belle Époque)

Gladys Joujou — ESRA 1993

Film Editor. Gladys Joujou, ESRA class of 1993, is a film editor. She edited *Une famille syrienne* by Philippe Van Leeuw, *Ghost Hunting* by Raed Andoni, and *Bye Bye Tibériade* by Lina Soualem, and co-edited *Talking About Trees* by Suhaib Gasmelbari. Three of these films won awards at the Berlinale.

Filmography: A Syrian Family (2017), Ghost Hunting (2017), Talking About Trees (2019), Bye Bye Tiberias (2023)

• Award-winning films at the Berlinale: *Ghost Hunting* (2017 Documentary Award), *A Syrian Family* (2017 Panorama Audience Award), *Talking About Trees* (2019 Documentary Award)

Sound engineers and mixers. This is the field in which ESRA has received the most nominations: eleven for the César Award for Best Sound since 2012. Learn more about ESRA’s Sound program.

Pascal Armant — ESRA 1983

Sound Engineer. Pascal Armant, a 1983 graduate of ESRA, is a sound engineer. He handled the sound for *The Intouchables*, *The Meaning of a Party*, and *En Fanfare*. He has received three César Award nominations for Best Sound: 2012 (*The Intouchables*), 2018 (*The Meaning of a Party*), and 2025 (*En Fanfare*).

Filmography: *The Intouchables*, *The Meaning of Celebration*, *En Fanfare*

Cast: *The Intouchables*, starring François Cluzet and Omar Sy; *Le Sens de la fête*, starring Jean-Pierre Bacri, Gilles Lellouche, and Jean-Paul Rouve.

• Three César Award nominations for Best Sound: 2012 (*The Intouchables*), 2018 (*Le Sens de la fête*), 2025 (*En fanfare*)

Damien Lazzerini — ESRA 2000

Sound Engineer. Damien Lazzerini, ESRA 2000, is a sound engineer. He handled the sound for *Elle*, *Au revoir là-haut*, and *Arco*. He has received three César Award nominations for Best Sound: 2017 (*Elle*), 2018 (*Au revoir là-haut*), and 2026 (*Arco*).

Filmography: Elle, See You Up There, Arco

Cast: *See You Up There*, starring Albert Dupontel, Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, and Laurent Lafitte.

• Three César Award nominations for Best Sound: 2017 (Elle), 2018 (Au revoir là-haut), 2026 (Arco)

Samuel Aichoun — ESRA 2005

Sound Engineer. Samuel Aichoun, ESRA 2005, is a sound engineer. He handled the sound for *Les Magnétiques* and *L'Histoire de Souleymane*. He has received two César Award nominations for Best Sound: 2022 (*Les Magnétiques*) and 2025 (*L'Histoire de Souleymane*).

Filmography: *Les Magnétiques*, *The Story of Souleymane*

• Two César Award nominations for Best Sound: 2022 (Les Magnétiques), 2025 (L'Histoire de Souleymane)

Jon Goc — ESRA 2004

Sound Engineer. Jon Goc, ESRA 2004, is a sound engineer. He handled the sound for *L'Amour ouf*. He was nominated for the 2025 César Award for Best Sound (*L'Amour ouf*).

Filmography: L'Amour ouf

• Nominated for the 2025 César Award for Best Sound (L'Amour ouf)

Benjamin Laurent — ESRA 2000

Sound Engineer. Benjamin Laurent, ESRA 2000, is a sound engineer. He worked on the sound for Albert Serra’s *Pacifiction: Tourment sur les îles*. He was nominated for the 2023 César Award for Best Sound (*Pacifiction: Tourment sur les îles*).

Filmography: Pacifiction: Turmoil on the Islands

• Nominated for the 2023 César Award for Best Sound (Pacifiction: Turmoil on the Islands)

Laurent Benaïm — ESRA Class of 1998

Sound Engineer. Laurent Benaïm, ESRA class of 1998, is a sound engineer. He handled the sound for *L'Innocent*. He was nominated for the 2023 César Award for Best Sound (*L'Innocent*).

Filmography: The Innocent

• Nominated for the 2023 César Award for Best Sound (L'Innocent)

Grammy Award-winning sound engineers and audio directors, from music to video games. Learn more about the ESRA Sound program.

Maxime Morin — ESRA 2009

Sound Engineer, Mixer. Maxime Morin, ESRA 2009, is a sound engineer. He handled the sound for the album *H.E.R.*. He received the 2019 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for *H.E.R.*

Filmography: The H.E.R. Album

• 2019 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for H.E.R.

Sound engineer and mixer in New York. He recorded the track "Hopes Up" from the album *H.E.R.*, which won Best R&B Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

Alex Rivière — ESRA 2008

Audio Director, Sound Engineer. Alex Rivière, ESRA Class of 2008, is an audio director. He served as audio director on *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora* (Ubisoft).

Filmography: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Ubisoft)

Audio Director at Ubisoft Massive. He served as audio director on *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora*, whose original score, composed by Pinar Toprak, has been nominated for the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Antoine Chabert — ESRA Class of 1994

Sound Engineer, Mastering. Antoine Chabert, ESRA '94, is a sound engineer. He mastered Daft Punk's *Random Access Memories* alongside Bob Ludwig. He won three Grammy Awards in 2014.

Filmography: *Random Access Memories* by Daft Punk

• 2014 Grammy Awards — Record of the Year, "Get Lucky"
• 2014 Grammy Awards — Album of the Year, *Random Access Memories*
• 2014 Grammy Awards — Best Non-Classical Recorded Album,*Random Access Memories*

Mastering engineer, known as Chab. *Random Access Memories* won five Grammy Awards in 2014, including Album of the Year.

Oscar-winning documentary filmmakers and production managers on international film sets in France. Learn more about the DHEC Production and Distribution program.

Yves Darondeau — ESRA 1986

Producer. Yves Darondeau, ESRA ’86, is a producer. He has produced *March of the Penguins*, *Once Upon a Forest*, *The Secret of Cheops*, and *Dear Parents*. He won the 2006 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for *March of the Penguins*.

Filmography: *March of the Penguins*, *Once Upon a Forest*, *The Secret of Cheops*, *Dear Parents*

• 2006 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for *March of the Penguins*
• Nominated for the 2014 César Award for Best Documentary (*Il était une forêt*)

Co-founder of Bonne Pioche. His 2006 Oscar was the first ever won by an ESRA alumnus.

Emmanuel Priou — ESRA Class of 1986

Producer. Emmanuel Priou, a 1986 graduate of ESRA, is a producer. He produced *March of the Penguins* and *Once Upon a Forest*. He was nominated for a César Award for Best Documentary in 2014 (*Once Upon a Forest*).

Filmography: *March of the Penguins*, *Once Upon a Forest*

• Nominated for the 2014 César Award for Best Documentary (*Il était une forêt*)

Co-founder of Bonne Pioche, along with Yves Darondeau and Christophe Lioud—three alumni from the same graduating class.

Christophe Lioud — ESRA 1986

Producer. Christophe Lioud, a 1986 graduate of ESRA, is a producer. He produced *Il était une forêt*. He was nominated for the César Award for Best Documentary in 2014 (*Il était une forêt*).

Filmography: Once Upon a Forest

• Nominated for the 2014 César Award for Best Documentary (*Il était une forêt*)

Alain Benguigui — ESRA Class of 1989

Producer. Alain Benguigui, ESRA class of 1989, is a producer. He has produced *Une pute et un poussin* and *La Vie parisienne*. He has received two César Award nominations for Best Short Film: in 2010 and 2013.

Filmography: A Whore and a Chick, Parisian Life

• Two César Award nominations for Best Short Film: 2010 and 2013

Raphaël Benoliel — ESRA 1990

Executive Producer. Raphaël Benoliel, ESRA ’90, is an executive producer. He served as executive producer on *Mission: Impossible – Fallout*, *John Wick 4*, *Emily in Paris*, and *The Killer*.

Filmography: Mission: Impossible – Fallout, John Wick 4, Emily in Paris, The Killer

It hosts the filming of major American productions in France.

Yvan Sadik — ESRA 1993

Producer. Yvan Sadik, ESRA class of 1993, is a producer. He produced *Le Chant de la Noria*.

Filmography: The Song of the Noria

Guillaume Raphoz — ESRA 2003

Producer. Guillaume Raphoz, ESRA 2003, is a producer. He produced *Résonnances*.

Filmography: Resonances

Fabrice Préel-Cléach — ESRA Class of 1993

Producer. Fabrice Préel-Cléach, ESRA class of 1993, is a producer. He produced *Le Cri du homard* and *Laissez-moi danser*. He won the César Award for Best Short Film in 2013 for *Le Cri du homard*.

Filmography: *The Cry of the Lobster*, *Let Me Dance*

• 2013 César Award for Best Short Film for *Le Cri du homard*
• Nominated for the 2019 César Award for Best Short Film ("Let Me Dance")

Producer, founder of Offshore. *Le Cri du homard* was directed by Nicolas Guiot, and *Laissez-moi danser* by Valérie Leroy.

Animation directors, supervisors, and VFX artists working on French and international productions. Learn more about the ESRA Animation program.

Stéphane Berla — ESRA 1998

Animation director. Stéphane Berla, a 1998 graduate of ESRA, is an animation director. He directed *Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart*. He was nominated for a César Award for Best Animated Film in 2015 (*Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart*).

Filmography: Jack and the Mechanics of the Heart

• Nominated for the 2015 César Award for Best Animated Film (*Jack and the Mechanics of the Heart*)

Co-directed with Mathias Malzieu of the band Dionysos.

Mikaël Tanguy — ESRA 2004

Visual Effects Supervisor. Mikaël Tanguy, ESRA 2004, is a visual effects supervisor. He supervised the visual effects for *Novembre*. He was nominated for the 2023 César Award for Best Visual Effects (*Novembre*).

Filmography: November

• Nominated for the 2023 César Award for Best Visual Effects (November)

Eddy Okba — ESRA 2009

Animator. Eddy Okba, ESRA 2009, is an animator. He worked on *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*.

Filmography: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Animator for the character Miles Morales in a film that won the 2019 Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film—an award given to the film, not to the animators.

Stéphane Hoarau — ESRA 2000

Technical Director of Pipeline. Stéphane Hoarau, ESRA 2000, is the Technical Director of Pipeline. He has worked on Renaissance and Igor.

Filmography: Renaissance, Igor

Lead Pipeline Technical Director at Cinesite. Trained at ESRA after completing his undergraduate studies.

Thibault Gauriau — ESRA 2006

Visual Effects Supervisor. Thibault Gauriau, ESRA 2006, is a visual effects supervisor. He supervised the visual effects for *Ready Player One*, *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story*, and *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*.

Filmography: Ready Player One, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Lead Visual Effects Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic.

Cem Olcer — ESRA 2007

Visual Effects Artist. Cem Olcer, ESRA 2007, is a visual effects artist. He worked on Ariana Grande's music video for "No Tears Left to Cry." He received the Digital Creation Genie Award for Best Environment.

Filmography: "No Tears Left to Cry," music video by Ariana Grande

• Digital Creation Genie Award for Best Environment

Different paths: ESRA's technical training program also leads to a career in front of the camera. Learn more about ESRA's Film program.

Guillaume Marbeck — ESRA 2012

Actor. Guillaume Marbeck, ESRA 2012, is an actor. He appeared in Richard Linklater’s *Nouvelle Vague*. He was nominated for a César Award for Best New Actor in 2026 (*Nouvelle Vague*).

Filmography: *Nouvelle Vague*, by Richard Linklater

• Nominated for the César Award for Best New Actor in 2026 (Nouvelle Vague)

Trained in technical trades, he made his on-screen debut playing the role of Jean-Luc Godard.

Nassim Lyes — ESRA 2006

Actor. Nassim Lyes, ESRA 2006, is an actor. He has appeared in *Sous la Seine*, *En passant pécho*, *Made in France*, and *Mineurs 27*.

Filmography: *Sous la Seine*, *En passant pécho*, *Made in France*, *Mineurs 27*

Jules Porier — ESRA 2023

Actor. Jules Porier, ESRA Class of 2023, is an actor. He has appeared in *Marvin ou la belle éducation*, *Madre*, *La Nuit du 12*, and *Hôtel Silence*.

Filmography: Marvin or the Art of Good Manners, Madre, The Night of the 12th, Hotel Silence, Phoenix

The César Academy’s 2021 Breakthrough Award for *Madre*.