Jeanne Mascolo de Filippis was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer who was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in French cinema of the 20th century. Born on March 11, 1927 in Paris, de Filippis grew up in a family of Italian immigrants who had settled in the city. From a young age she was fascinated by the world of cinema, and she began her career as an assistant director.
In 1951, de Filippis wrote and directed her first feature film, "La Femme de l'Etranger", which was a critical success and earned her numerous awards. She continued to write and direct films throughout the 1950s and 60s, many of which explored the themes of class, family, and social change. Her films often featured strong female protagonists and sought to challenge traditional gender roles.
In 1967, de Filippis was the first woman to receive the Cesar Award for Best Director for her film "La Vie Est Belle". Her other notable works include "Les Enfants du Paradis" (1965), "La Petite Voleuse" (1966), "Les Bronzes" (1970), and "Le Miroir" (1975).
De Filippis was also an active member of the French New Wave, a movement that sought to bring more experimental and avant-garde approaches to filmmaking. In addition to her work as a director, she also wrote several plays and was an avid supporter of young filmmakers.
De Filippis died on October 22, 2007 at the age of eighty. She was posthumously inducted into the French Film Hall of Fame in 2012. Throughout her career, de Filippis was an outspoken advocate for equality in the film industry and an important voice in French cinema. Her films remain an enduring influence on filmmakers today.
