Los Angeles, CA – The Directors Guild of America announced that DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth was awarded the French Legion of Honor for helping to create and promote the Franco American Cultural Fund (FACF), which aims to foster a professional and cultural exchange between French and American filmmakers in his role as national executive director of the DGA.
The Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur, otherwise known as the French Legion of Honor, is the highest decoration in France and is awarded by the President of France to honor distinguished civil or military achievements. It was established by Napoleon Bonaparte, as First Consul, on May 19, 1802.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy first announced that Roth had been named to the honor in January of this year. The official ceremony, which took place on Thursday, September 17 at the residence of the French Consul-General David Martinon, included the traditional pinning of the red ribbon which signifies the Legion of Honor. “You are a beloved friend of the French Republic, and I am extremely proud to honor you tonight, surrounded by all our prestigious guests, family and friends,” said Consul General David Martinon at the ceremony.
“I am honored to be awarded the French Legion of Honor,” said Roth. “France and the United States share a rich and wonderful cinematic history, and to be recognized for my role in strengthening the ties between our two film communities is truly special.”
As part of its activities, the Franco American Cultural Fund sponsors the annual City of Lights, City of Angels French Film Festival, held each year in April at the DGA Theaters in Los Angeles. It is now the second-largest French film festival outside of France. The Fund also sponsors Rencontres Cinematographiques de Dijon (Dijon Cinema Encounters), a series of meetings between French, European and U.S. directors.
Also on Thursday, September 17, Congressman Howard Berman of California placed a statement into the Congressional Record congratulating Roth for receiving the Legion of Honor and acknowledging his long career in “the creative community, the arts and all aspects of intellectual property.”
Roth has served as National Executive Director of the DGA since 1995.
