Abdellatif Kechiche began his artistic journey in theatre after emigrating as a child from Tunis to France, where he studied drama and took part in stage work in and around Nice. He later transitioned into film, initially as an actor, before writing and directing his debut feature in 2000. His directing method emphasizes realism, long takes and ensemble working, often with non-professional actors. Over time he moved toward feature-length cinema, exploring themes of migration, identity and desire, and collaborating with consistent editorial and production partners while shifting the balance from intimate narratives to more expansive ones. His career growth is marked by his evolution from actor to writer-director to auteur filmmaker with international recognition.