- Born
- Emmanuel Benbihy is an accomplished filmmaker and a passionate global entrepreneur. The 'Cities of Love' film series is the culmination of over 20 years of experience and insights of Emmanuel, as a screenwriter, producer and film distributor. It also reflects his deep thinking into the future of film and media.
Emmanuel firmly believes in cinema in the service of diversity and peace. In April 2000, the adventure of Paris, je t'aime began as a first step in his vision. Emmanuel put together the principal elements needed for its development and production: narrative structure, artistic and technical specifications, framework to approach directors and talent, contracts, agreement with US Guilds, international marketing strategy and the approach to film financing. All these elements are today part of the Cities of Love franchise. The production of Paris, je t'aime started in July 2005 and the film ended up opening the Cannes Film Festival 2006, Un Certain Regard section. Paris, je t'aime also enjoyed a tremendous success worldwide.
The first episode of the Cities of Love series convinced Emmanuel that the adventure should move forward and evolve on other continents, in New York, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai. New York, I Love You was completed in 2009. The third installment of the franchise Rio, I Love You, has been released and completed in 2014. The larger media platform and initiatives behind Rio, I Love You went further to engage millions in the community, lifting spirits, fostering creativity and supporting sustainable urban development.
With decades of experience in critical studies and filmmaking, Emmanuel foresaw Asia's rise in the global film landscape in the mid 90's. He also thought of China as the most dynamic market where the next wave of media revolution could happen. He came to Shanghai as early as 1997 and has been living in China since July 2009. He is currently structuring an international network of non-profit social enterprises whose purpose will be to launch 'Cities of Love' initiatives.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Emmanuel Benbihy
- Concept Designer of the Cities of Love (TM) feature film franchise. He has started an extensive copyright and trademark registration process to protect the Cities of Love (TM) franchise and take to a global level on-line. The first licenses were sold in 2009: "Rio, Eu Te Amo" and "Jerusalem, I Love You".
- Did not attend the 2006 Cannes Film Festival opening of 'Paris, je t'aime' in solidarity with two directors whose segment had been cut by his co-Producer Claudie Ossard. Went to eat at MacDonald's instead.
- Strictly defended a non-smoking regulation in his Production office until the day Jean-Luc Godard showed up with a big cigar.
- He collaborated for a few months with Anthony Minghella on his Segment in "New York, I Love You" until he had to go through surgery and quit the project. With Anthony's approval, his Segment was taken over by Shekhar Kapur. He quoted Anthony Minghella saying: "I remember meeting with Shekhar a couple of times and having long conversations with him. We disagreed pretty much about everything. He would be a great choice."
- During the 5 years development period of "Paris, je t'aime", Benbihy was calling the Coen Brothers once a year to check if they would be available, until they said "Why not?".
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