Georges N. Chamchoum, a Lebanese-born film director and producer, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With a career spanning over five decades, he has directed and produced over 40 feature films across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Chamchoum's films are known for their social and political undertones, infused with a Hollywood flair.
Born on July 16, 1946, in Niger, West Africa, Chamchoum's journey in filmmaking began in 1968. He honed his craft at prestigious institutions like the University of Wales, Conservatoire du Cinema Francais in Paris, and Lodz Film School in Poland. He also trained under legendary directors Andrei Tarkovski, Roman Polanski, and Jacques Becker. Chamchoum's directorial debut, "Salam, After Death," was released when he was just 21. His landmark film, "Lebanon.... Why?" (1978), cemented his reputation as a fearless storyteller. He won an Emmy for the ABC Documentary Short "Hashim's Story" in 2010. Throughout his career, Chamchoum has been a jury delegate, board member, and executive director for various film festivals, including the Francophone Film Festival, Pan Pacific Film Festival, and Asian World Film Festival. He co-founded Film Festivals Cinergy, a union of worldwide film festivals promoting filmmaking talents. Chamchoum's passion for indigenous cinema has led him to discover and showcase films from lesser-known regions like Yakutia and Buryatia. His recent work includes a trilogy of films on faith, including "Journey into my Faith" (2012), "December Dawn" (2013), and "Ninety!" (2013). With two feature films in pre-production, Chamchoum continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. His dedication to Lebanese cinema has earned him recognition from UNESCO, and he has been honored by the Korean Ministry of Culture and Sports for bridging cultural divides. As a photographer, Chamchoum has worked with Christian Dior, capturing the essence of beauty and art. His legacy is a testament to his innovative spirit, commitment to social justice, and passion for the cinematic arts.