Margaret Menegoz, the trailblazing head of the French production company Les Films du Losange and producer of iconic films like Amour and The White Ribbon, has passed away at the age of 83. The Hollywood Reporter announced on Sunday, August 11, that Menegoz’s company confirmed her passing in an official statement, revealing that the esteemed producer died in Montpellier on Wednesday, August 7.
“Love of films and work,” the statement from Les Films du Losange read, honoring Menegoz’s immense contributions to cinema. “Her loyalty to her filmmakers has become the hallmark of Les Films du Losange,” it continued, highlighting the deep connections she forged with directors and her unwavering dedication to their creative visions.
Menegoz’s legacy is one of open-mindedness and a profound commitment to the European and international film scenes, both of which she particularly cherished. Throughout her nearly five decades at the helm of Les Films du Losange, Menegoz produced over 60 films, collaborating with some of the most celebrated directors in the world, including Michael Haneke, Wim Wenders, and Éric Rohmer.
“There was a phrase she often said, ‘A film is not made to be on a shelf. It is made to be seen, always and everywhere,'” the team at Les Films du Losange reflected in a statement shared with Variety, capturing Menegoz’s philosophy and her relentless drive to ensure that films reached audiences far and wide.
Menegoz’s remarkable career began when she took over Les Films du Losange in 1973. Under her leadership, the company became a powerhouse in the film industry, producing works that would go on to earn critical acclaim and numerous awards. Among the films she produced are Michael Haneke’s Amour (2012), which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, The White Ribbon (2009), Cache (2005), Wim Wenders’ The American Friend (1977), and Volker Schlöndorff’s Swann in Love (1984).
Menegoz’s influence extended beyond her own productions. She played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many directors and fostering the growth of European cinema. Her work with Agnieszka Holland on Europa Europa (1990), as well as with Éric Rohmer on A Tale of Springtime (1990) and A Tale of Winter (1992), are just a few examples of her lasting impact on the film industry.
Margaret Menegoz leaves behind a legacy of cinematic excellence and a body of work that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world. Her dedication to ensuring that films are seen “always and everywhere” will resonate for generations to come.