Margaret Menegoz, a pioneering film producer in France and leader of Les Films du Losange, passed away on August 7 at the age of 83.

Born Margit Katalin Baranyai in 1941 in Budapest, she faced early challenges due to her family's expulsion by Soviet forces after World War II, later growing up in Germany.

Menegoz began her career in an industrial film company in Germany before moving to France, where she married documentarian Robert Menegoz in 1962.

In 1962, she co-founded Les Films du Losange with Éric Rohmer and Barbet Schroeder, stepping into a leadership role during a busy production period.

She took over as manager of Les Films du Losange in 1975 after initially working as an assistant on Rohmer's film 'Marquise Of O.'

Under her leadership, Les Films du Losange became a reference point for independent French cinema, particularly in production and distribution.

The company established a theatrical distribution label in 1986 and an international sales division in the early 1990s, expanding its influence.

Menegoz played a crucial role in the production of films by renowned directors such as Éric Rohmer, Barbet Schroeder, and Michael Haneke.

Her notable partnership with Haneke included acclaimed films like 'The Piano Teacher' and the Oscar-winning 'Amour.'

From 2003 to 2009, she served as president of Unifrance, promoting French cinema internationally.

In 2021, Menegoz secured the company's future by selling it to Alexis Dantec and Charles Gillibert, ensuring the continuation of its legacy.

Les Films du Losange boasts a rich catalogue of 325 arthouse titles, significantly contributing to European cinema.

Daniela Elstner, current Unifrance managing director, praised Menegoz for her impact on cinema and her mentorship of many young women in the industry.