Czech film database states you were born in 1943, other database says in 1953.Which is correct?If  the former, it means you were teenager when French “new wave” came?Was it then when you realized film making would be job for you?

In a way, my age can stay a secret, no? I began to work as a graphic artist and I never thought that, one day, I will make movies. I made my first one very late. And, to tell you the thruth, I am not crazy about “la nouvelle vague”….

You studied philosophy first. Was it your parents´ wish,  you to have “ proper”  education, or your own choice, but then it evolved into cinematography?Did you often use philosophical questions in your movies so your studies were helpful after all?Did studies of philosophy made you think about serious things that lead you to film “ deep” ideas?

I studied philosophy but the best school for the philosophy training is…the life ! In my movies, there is always some subliminal philosophic message… 

Your next steps were to graphic design and advert, before establishing your own company. Was it just your plan to go step by step upwards, learn the trade, know everything, earn money in advert to be as much independent as possible or it just happened that way with no pre- planned steps?

No, I went step by step, trying to do a good work every time and every where, but without any plan. I made enough money to buy my own apartment but no more. I use to say “every new movie is the first one”. For each of them, I need to fight very strongly.

It always was and still is very difficult to make a movie with some real meaning, deep idea and make it financial success. How do you pick up the topic for your films, it must be good story which personally touches your heart or you have to juggle artistic and financial aspects equally?

“The Butterfly” has been a huge success in a lot of countries. It’s possible…but sometimes, there is a big part of chance. Anyway, I also make movies to be proud of my work. Self estime is as important as the commercial success. 

“Le Papillon”-very nice story.Did you put in there a hidden philosophical message, that different people can become friends and like each other if each of them backs up a bit and try to be more tolerant? 

The Butterfly: two people alone looking for some love ! They could be me, you, and so many people !!! 

“Le Promeneur d´Oiseau”- unusual story.How did you find working with Chinese actors?Did you just like the story or it was a challenge for you to show similar pattern as in “Le Papillon” but in different culture?How did European audience accept this film?

I met two young Chinese producers in 2009 and they had this idea of making a Chinese movie directed by a French director. It was absolutely crazy because I did’t know China and I was unable to say one word in mandarin. But we did it ! I like the film. The French audience loved it. It went in more than 25 festivals and now, It has been selected to represent China in the Oscar race. What a strange destiny ! 

You mainly work with unknown actors.Is it deliberate because “ star actor” maybe would take all attention to him but not to story or you are not interested in working with international stars?

No, I made movies with well known actors such as Michel Serrault, Jean Pierre Bacri, Didier Bourdon, Marie Gillain, etc…. But the most important for me is not the actors, it’s the sceenplay.

Your stories are mainly about people, their lives, behaviour, attitude?Do you take it as your personal mission to make films about this topic in current era when technology alienate people and moral value of world ´s society declines?

I like action movies but it’s not the kind of movies I would like to make. I like to try to visit the soul of humanity. Human being are more interesting than robots J for the moment !! 

I like technology too (I am a kind of geek) but in this time of mutations, there are a lot of questions. I know the questions…I don’t have the answers ! 

What is the platform for independent films in France? Do you have any festivals, forums or  distribution circle where filmmakers can meet, change their views, talk about filming and distribute their film?

Yes. There is La société des réalisateurs and ARP (Auteurs réalisateurs producteurs). Both of them are very active. 

How are films funded in France, do you have state support, you can ask for ministry grants or all have to go from private producers and sources?

There are a lot of process. Mainly” l’Avance sur recettes” (a comitee decides to give money to a project. If the movie gets a commercial success, you have to reimburse this advance, if not, you don’t have to to it. And also, there is a big part of financing coming from the TV, mainly Canal Plus.

Who in your view is “ independent film maker”? Is there any borderline which divides independent from commercial?

I don’t see a borderline in France.

Do you find internet as important tool for filmmakers to spread their films around the world or you see this technology as bad one cos people can download films and don´t go to cinemas, then you don´t make money?

“The Butterfly” is famous in China but never released in the theaters. I use to say “I am a happy victim of the piracy”. Good thing !

There was a copy of “The nightingale” on internet one week before the release and a dvd in the store the day of the release. Very bad thing !!!

Question: what will be the cinema in the future?