Born on 25 April 1941, in Lyon, one of France's premiere directors, screenwriters, and producers, Bertrand Tavernier is renowned for making dramas encompassing themes as diverse as familial relationships, World War I, jazz world and contemporary social ills. This variety is deceptive however: strong thematic links run through his films, and all are informed by the director's political vision and by h is profound curiosity about people. Regardless of the subjects they explore, Tavernier lends his films great introspection and humanity, something thar has established him as one of the French cinema's more progressive and com passionate figures.