Cathy Bohbot holds a DEA (a post-graduate degree) in Film and History from EHESS (Social Sciences school) and a DESS (post-graduate degree) in Literature and Audiovisual from the Sorbonne. For several years, she has been working as a professor at the IGS, and at the University of Paris VIII in the Department of Science, Language, and Cultural Mediation. This has enabled her to acquire ease in communicating, in establishing contact rapidly with the public, and in managing workshops (in particular on writing). In 2001, she joined Yael Fogiel and Laetitia Gonzalez at the production company “Films du Poisson,” where she now holds the position of Development Director. Her job covers a number of missions: from a writing orientation to analysis of audiovisual demand. In fact, since joining “Films du Poisson”, Cathy Bohbot has actively participated in the development of writing projects. For example, she recently collaborated on the drafting of E. Finkiel’s TV concept. Eager to discover new authors (tomorrow’s talents), she also actively participates at several festivals including: The Screenwriters’ Festival (La Ciotat, 2003), and the Mediterranean Film Festival (Development fund – Montpellier, 2003).

Laurent Cantet made his attention-gathering debut with the short films “Tous à la manif” (1994) and “Jeux de plage” (1995). In 1997, he directed “Les sanguinaires,” a French episode for the ARTE/HAUT ET COURT collection “2000 As Seen By…” “Ressources Humaines,” his first feature-length film, was short-listed and awarded prizes at several festivals: San Sebastian (New Director’s prize), the Paris Rencontres Internationales (Public’s prize), Belfort (Public’s and Jury’s prizes), Turin (Best first film), Buenos-Aires (Public’s and Grand prizes), Sundance, New York… Laurent also received a César for best first film (1999). “L’emploi du temps,” which he shot in 2001, was also short-listed and awarded prizes at a number of festivals, including Venice (Lion of the Year), Montreal (Louve d’Or), Sundance, Vienna, London… Laurent is currently preparing his next film, “Vers le sud,” based on a book by Dany Laferrière. Shooting will take place in Haiti in December 2004.

Hélène Vincent made her theatrical debut at the age of 17. In particular, she has acted with Patrice Chéreau in “The Soldiers” by Lenz; with Bernard Sobel in “Dom Juan”; and with Jean-Pierre Vincent in Rezvani’s “Capitaine Schelle Capitaine Esso”, Jean-Claude Grumberg’s “En revenant de l’expo”, and Ivane Daoudi’s “Le chant du Départ.” Hélène Vincent is also a director. She has staged several plays, including : Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at the Criée in Marseille ; Howard Barker’s “Scenes from an Execution” at both the Gymnase in Marseille and the Célestins in Lyon ; and Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labours Lost” at the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique (National Academy of Dramatic Arts). In addition, Hélène Vincent is a screen actress. She played in Bertrand Tavernier’s “Que la fête commence” and in Diane Kurys’ “Cocktail Molotov.” In 1988, she demonstrated tremendous screen presence with her portrayal of Madame Le Quesnoy in Etienne Chatiliez’s “La vie est un long fleuve tranquille.” The role earned her a César for Best Supporting Actress. Next, she distinguished herself in André Téchiné’s “J’embrasse pas,” for which she earned a César nomination. Exercising her composition talents, Hélène also acted in the Serge Moati drama “Des feux mal éteints,” as well as in Albert Dupontel’s comedy “Bernie.” Hélène Vincent also appears regularly on television.

Born in 1965, Thierry Méranger is a member of the “Cahiers du Cinéma” editorial staff. As such, he is particularly interested in the question of film pedagogy and education, as well as in the representation of creative acts on screen. A trainer as well as being scholastic editor of the national documents developed in the “Lycéens au cinema” (students at the movies) program, Thierry is also in charge of an Arts Workshop and a Film-Audiovisual elective at Rotrou High School in Dreux. In 2002 and 2003, Rotrou students won first prize at Chartres’ National Film School Festival. Coordinator of the “Regards d’Ailleurs” Festival in Dreux, Thierry helped organize this first event created within the framework of a Local Contract for Film Initiative (CLIC). He holds a Master’s degree in History and is a licensed French teacher. He is also in charge of editing texts by Rimbaud, Verlaine, and Baudelaire for Hachette, Garnier-Flammarion.

Slava Ross was born in Siberia in 1966. While pursuing theatre studies in Novosibirsk, he also led a career as an actor with the Red Torch theatrical company. Slava joined the VGIK in 1999, where he directed two films: “And Summer Will Become” and “Myaso,” the latter of which earned him the prize for Best Directing at the 2003 Festival. To date, this film has won 19 prizes – the most recent being the Grand Prize at the Potencia Festival. Slava Ross is now preparing the shooting of his new comedy: “Fat, Stupid Rabbit.”