Tony Gatlif, Filmmaker of Romani Culture, Dies at 77

Tony Gatlif, the French-Algerian filmmaker renowned for his cinematic explorations of Romani culture and music, has died at the age of 77. Gatlif, whose works include "Latcho Drom" (1993) and "Exils" (2004), dedicated his career to portraying the lives and traditions of the Roma people, often highlighting themes of freedom and marginalization. His death was reported on September 4, 2026, by Le Monde. Gatlif's films, which blended narrative and documentary styles, were celebrated for their immersive use of music and dance, earning him international acclaim, including the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for "Exils." Born in Algeria in 1948, Gatlif moved to France in his youth and began his career in theater before transitioning to film. His body of work stands as a significant contribution to world cinema, bringing visibility to a community often overlooked by mainstream media.