David Serero: Redefining Documentaries with a Storm of Creativity and Emotions.

In the realm of filmmaking, David Serero stands as a force of nature, reshaping the landscape of documentaries with his unparalleled creativity and relentless work ethic. With a career spanning two decades across opera, theater, and now cinema, Serero’s journey from the stage to the screen is nothing short of extraordinary.

Renowned across continents as a stage virtuoso, David Serero is not merely a performer but a phenomenon.

Yet, for Serero, this was merely the overture. Emboldened by critical acclaim and audience adulation, he embarked on a cinematic odyssey, unleashing a torrent of creativity that shows no signs of abating. With an unparalleled work ethic reminiscent of his stage days, Serero assumes multifaceted roles in his filmmaking endeavors, from writing and directing to editing and even spearheading promotional efforts.

Throughout his illustrious career, Serero has amassed over 2,500 performances as an opera singer, actor, stage director, and producer. His prowess on the stage seamlessly transitioned into the world of filmmaking, where he has directed and produced over 100 theatrical productions. However, it was during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic that Serero truly showcased his resilience and adaptability, inspiring all with his unwavering commitment to his craft.

Amidst the pandemic, Serero directed and produced his first film, delving into the fashion world with “Elie Tahari.” The film quickly garnered critical acclaim, being selected in over 100 film festivals and receiving over 40 awards, including Best Director, Best Producer, and Best Documentary. This marked the beginning of Serero’s meteoric rise in the world of filmmaking.

Unwavering in his determination, Serero embarked on a prolific journey, directing, filming, and editing non-stop since 2022. His unique approach to filmmaking, which mirrors his experiences as a stage producer, is a testament to his ingenuity and resourcefulness, leaving the audience intrigued by his unconventional methods.

As for the stage, Serero is a machine that does it all. He writes, directs, and edits his films. “I also do the after-sale.” He goes to promote and sell his movies. “I used my techniques as a show producer. I call each venue to tell them I will play my show in their halls. I had no choice but to do the same with my films. I called every movie theater in France and offered them to screen my film. If you wish the audience to watch your movie, you must go where they are. If you want them to meet you, you need to go to meet them. Who needs the other the most? Hein?” This personal engagement with venues and audiences not only ensures the success of his projects but also fosters a sense of connection and appreciation among his fans.

After Tahari, he convinced his mentor, the critically acclaimed Lisa Azuelos, to be his second film. “Imagine me making a movie about the greatest filmmaker…She helped me immensely with her advice.” His third film about pianist Helene Grimaud broke the barricades of how documentaries about classical music and classical musicians were done, bringing a fresh vibe. It received critical acclaim and was screened at the AMC Movie Theater on Times Square. “Among Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, I was proud to bring a classical pianist for the first time on the movie theater billboard, as it was the first time there was a feature film about a classical pianist in a cinema.” A partnership with AMC is born. His fourth film was about French sculptor Richard Orlinski. “I wanted to show how contemporary art could be punchy and entertaining. I also wanted to film his sculptures as if they were actors. I learned how to play with colors. I grew up about the aesthetic of the film should be. That’s where a friend of mine, producer Sylvain Goldberg, taught me that every moment of your movie can be framed and put on your wall and must look good. 

However, his latest project, “ROCANCOURT,” truly exemplifies Serero’s filmmaking prowess. The film chronicles the audacious life of Christophe Rocancourt and has garnered widespread acclaim, with critics praising Serero for redefining the documentary genre.

“My style is an American rhythm with a European soul.” David Serero 

A film that many directors and producers wished to make for the last 20 years. David Serero did it. Christophe Rocancourt defied America and the FBI by passing himself for nobles such as Rockefeller. “A life that can’t be told in a few phrases, as each step of his life could be a film of its own. For Americans, I like to say that he is some French version of “Catch Me if You Can,” transposed in the 1990s with more vice and struggle. I knew the challenges of that film, and I wanted to take it to the next level.”

Yet, aside from all expectations, Serero did deliver. On Paris opening night, a prominent French journalist, Diane Levy, stated: “David Serero redesigned a new genre of documentaries.” He was adding action films and thrillers with spontaneous interviews. Several fans wrote that these are the kind of films that will easily be #1 on Netflix. After several screenings in France, ROCANCOURT opens at the Cannes Film Festival and the Film Market. “It’s time to bring Rocancourt’s story to the world.” The film is set to be released in the U.S. in September 2024, in major cities and then at film festivals. 

His subsequent films are already in the works: A movie about Christian Clavier (France’s most outstanding comedy actor) starring all major French stars, such as Jean Reno. After following a film about Gregory Zaoui (the brain that conceived the most significant carbon tax fraud), another film mixing gangster, thriller, and police investigation. Follows fashion designer and mogul Jeff Hamilton about his Moroccan roots and iconic French singer Serge Lama. 

With each new project, Serero defies expectations, blending elements of action, thriller, and spontaneous interviews to create a captivating cinematic experience. His innovative approach has garnered attention from audiences and major film festivals, including a screening during the Cannes Film Festival.

With his burgeoning success in cinema, Serero remains committed to his roots in theater. His upcoming production set for July 2024 in Off-Broadway’s New York, “The Trial of Adolf Eichmann,” promises to bring history to life on stage, further solidifying Serero’s status as a multifaceted artist. He’ll star as Gideon Hausner, direct and produce, on top of being the play’s author. “I will also film the production as a movie. I created a new format that I call a ‘hybrid’ between the movie and the live theater performance. I filmed Anne Frank, a Musical (by my dear friend Jean-Pierre Hadida) in that same way, and I shall release it by September 2024.” 

One of Serero’s most significant art contributions is the creation of the Royal Opera of Morocco, the first national opera company of Morocco (Opera Royal du Maroc), which opened in 2022. A mini-documentary is set to be released this summer on several platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video. “I self-financed all of my films. When a great opportunity arises, I have my equipment and start filming. I don’t need to spend a year on budgeting. If a movie is good, the audience will come. Quality and devotion are the best marketing, and this one lasts!” said Serero.

David Serero stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation, revolutionizing the art of documentary filmmaking one masterpiece at a time. With each project, he continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, leaving an indelible mark on the world of documentaries. As he takes the world by storm, one thing is certain – the future of filmmaking is undeniably “à la Serero.”

Ethan Chan

Ethan Chan is a talented senior correspondent for Los Angeles Magazine, known for his incisive reporting and in-depth analysis of local and national issues. With over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism, Ethanm has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ethan's passion for writing and storytelling was evident from a young age. After completing his education, he began his career as a reporter for a local newspaper before joining the team at Los Angeles Magazine.

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