March 25, 2021
Los Angeles – The Directors Guild of America made the following statements upon learning of the passing of member Bertrand Tavernier, who was recognized by the Guild in 2004 with a DGA Honor:
Taylor Hackford
DGA Past President; Franco-American Cultural Fund Board Member
“We at the DGA mourn the loss of Bertrand Tavernier, a great director and a great friend of directors. Our Guild's strong bond with Bertrand dates back four decades as we joined together in our advocacy of the filmmakers' right to be in control of the integrity of their work, beginning with our shared fight against the colorization of black and white films. I had a running dialogue with Bertrand for many years – he knew as much about cinema as anyone I’ve ever known. My two favorite Tavernier films are: Coup de Torchon, the best adaptation of a Jim Thompson novel EVER, and Capitaine Conan, a brilliant and totally unique treatment of World War I. As a man, Bertrand was funny and caustic at the same time – he lived his passion."
Michael Mann
DGA National Board Alternate; Franco-American Cultural Fund Board Member
“The loss of Bertrand Tavernier is a loss for cinema, and for directors around the world. More than a legendary French filmmaker, more than a champion of cinema, he quite literally wrote the book on Hollywood film in France with his treasured 30 ans de cinéma Américain. A great raconteur, his wit and charm filled many evenings over the years. We will forever be grateful for having had the privilege to have known him.”
Hackford and Mann, together with former longtime DGA National Executive Director Jay Roth, forged a close relationship with Tavernier and the French filmmaking community over the decades. They are the three DGA board members of the Franco-American Cultural Fund — developed for the purpose of promoting cultural exchange between France and the United States, and the force behind COLCOA, the largest French film festival in the United States.
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