French director Tony Gatlif dies at 77 in Arles

September 5, 2026 at 12:19 PM1 min

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French director Tony Gatlif, known for films about Romani culture and music, died Wednesday in Arles, France, at age 77. His family announced he suffered a health problem while working on a historical film project. Gatlif won the Best Director award at Cannes for Exils in 2004.

Key Facts

Tony Gatlif died Wednesday in Arles, France, at age 77, his family announced.
Gatlif was born in Algeria in 1948 as Michel Dahmani and moved to France in 1960 during the Algerian War of Independence.
He directed more than 20 films, including Latcho Drom (1993), which won the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes.
Gatlif won the Best Director award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival for Exils, starring Romain Duris.
His family bid farewell with the Romani phrase 'Latcho Drom', meaning 'safe journey'.

Death Announcement

Tony Gatlif died Wednesday in Arles, France, at age 77, according to a statement from his family. He suffered a health problem while working on a historical film project in Arles. His family bid farewell with the Romani phrase 'Latcho Drom', meaning 'safe journey'.

Career and Awards

Born in Algeria in 1948 as Michel Dahmani, Gatlif moved to France in 1960 during the Algerian War of Independence. He directed more than 20 films over his career, focusing on Romani identity, music, and lifestyle. His film Latcho Drom (1993) won the Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival. Gadjo Dilo (1997) received the Silver Leopard at Locarno and the César Award for Best Original Music. Gatlif won the Best Director award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival for Exils, starring Romain Duris.