Emmanuel Benbihy

Birthday: November 6, 1969 in Paris, France

Emmanuel Benbihy is an accomplished filmmaker and a passionate global entrepreneur. The 'City, I Love You' film series is the culmination of over 20 years of experience and insights of Emman ...Show More

Emmanuel Benbihy is an accomplished filmmaker and a passionate global entrepreneur. The 'City, I Love You' film series is the culmination of over 20 years of experience and insights of Emmanuel, as a screenwriter, producer and film distributor. It also reflects his deep thinking into the future of film and media.Emmanuel firmly believes in cinema in the service of diversity and peace. In April 2000, the adventure of Paris, je t'aime began as a first step in his vision. Emmanuel put together the principal elements needed for its development and production: narrative structure, artistic and technical specifications, framework to approach directors and talent, contracts, agreement with US Guilds, international marketing strategy and the approach to film financing. All these elements are today part of the Cities of Love franchise. The production of Paris, je t'aime started in July 2005 and the film ended up opening the Cannes Film Festival 2006, Un Certain Regard section. Paris, je t'aime also enjoyed a tremendous success worldwide.The first episode of the Cities of Love series convinced Emmanuel that the adventure should move forward and evolve on other continents, in New York, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai. New York, I Love You was completed in 2009. The third installment of the franchise Rio, I Love You, has been released and completed in 2014. The larger media platform and initiatives behind Rio, I Love You went further to engage millions in the community, lifting spirits, fostering creativity and supporting sustainable urban development.With decades of experience in critical studies and filmmaking, Emmanuel foresaw Asia's rise in the global film landscape in the mid 90's. He also thought of China as the most dynamic market where the next wave of media revolution could happen. He came to Shanghai as early as 1997 and has been living in China since July 2009. He is currently structuring an international network of non-profit social enterprises whose purpose will be to launch City, I Love You initiatives. All these endeavors are part of the Cities of Love global initiative, and a non-profit foundation will be incorporated to launch City, I Love You initiatives in greater China. Hide