Fulfilled mandatory period of military service in Cameroon, Africa

Began career as film director making educational films while serving in French Army

Directed over 500 commercials (for which he won numerous Clio and Silver Lion Awards)

First film as director and screenwriter, "Victoire en chantant/Black and White in Color"; won Oscar as Best Foreign-Language Film

Co-wrote (with Alain Godard and director Pierre Richard) the screenplay for a film he did not direct, "Je suis timide, mais je me soigne/I'm Shy But I'm Treating It"

Last screenplay credit for 13 years, "Coup de Tete/Hot Head", which he also directed

First collaboration with screenwriter Gerard Brach, "Quest for Fire"

Founded Paris-based production company, Reparge Productions

First English-language film, "The Name of the Rose"

Helmed "The Bear", a wildlife coming-of-age movie told from the bear's point of view

First screenplay credit in 13 years, "The Lover", adapted from Marguerite Duras's novel in collaboration with Gerard Brach

Signed a three-year deal with Sony Pictures to direct English-Language movies

Wrote and directed the first IMAX 3-D fiction film, the 40-minute "Wings of Courage"

Directed Brad Pitt in the $70 million biopic "Seven Years in Tibet"

Helmed "Enemy at the Gates"; screened at the Berlin Film Festival

Wrote and directed the dramatic adventure "Two Brothers" about two tigers who are separated from their parents and each other