Born in 1941 in Tehran, Iran, he is a Swiss filmmaker and producer known for his eclectic and international career. He began in French cinema, co-founding Les Films du Losange, producing works for notable directors like Éric Rohmer. Transitioning to directing, he gained recognition with films like "More" and "Barfly." His work often explores complex characters and moral ambiguity, seen in films such as "Reversal of Fortune." His diverse oeuvre spans multiple genres and languages, earning critical acclaim worldwide.