Thierry Fremaux

Thierry Frémaux was born on May 29, 1960, in Tullins, outside of Grenoble, France, and grew up in the Minguettes suburb of Lyon. He pursued higher education with a focus on film history, earning a diploma d’études approfondies (equivalent to a Master of Advanced Studies) from Lumière University Lyon 2. His early academic background laid the foundation for a career deeply rooted in cinematic appreciation and preservation.

Frémaux’s career trajectory began in 1995 when he became the artistic director and later the managing director of the Institut Lumière in Lyon. This role connected him directly with the history of cinema, particularly the pioneering work of the Lumière brothers. His dedication to showcasing and preserving film led to significant milestones, including gathering and narrating early films by Auguste and Louis Lumière into feature films like “Lumière! l’aventure commence” (2017) and “Lumière, l’aventure continue” (2024), where he also served as director and editor. His work at the Institut Lumière solidified his reputation as a key figure in film curation.

The most significant turning point in Frémaux’s career arrived in 2004 when he was appointed artistic director of the Cannes Film Festival. By 2007, he had ascended to the position of general delegate, making him the primary selector and public face of one of the world’s most prominent film events. In this capacity, he oversees the festival’s official selection, navigating complex choices that shape global cinematic discourse. His tenure at Cannes has been marked by a commitment to balancing artistic integrity with industry demands, often engaging in dialogue with major studios and streaming platforms while championing cinematic exhibition in theaters.