Samuel Hadida

Biography

Samuel Hadida was born in 1953 in Casablanca, Morocco, into a family with a strong connection to cinema. His father was a movie distributor, which gave Hadida early exposure to the film industry and sparked his lifelong passion for filmmaking. Later, he moved to France, where he began building his career as a producer and distributor, eventually becoming one of the key figures in bringing international films to European audiences.

Career Beginnings

In the early 1980s, Samuel Hadida founded Metropolitan Filmexport, a French film distribution company. Through this venture, he introduced French audiences to a wide range of international films, particularly those from Hollywood and Asia. His keen eye for talent and storytelling helped Metropolitan become one of France’s leading independent film distributors.

Rise as a Film Producer

Samuel Hadida soon expanded into film production, working both in Europe and Hollywood. He gained recognition for his collaboration with director Tony Scott on the cult classic True Romance (1993), written by Quentin Tarantino. The film’s unique blend of romance, crime, and dark humor established Hadida as a bold and visionary producer.

Hadida continued to build a reputation for producing stylish, genre-defining films. He became especially known for bringing popular video game franchises to the big screen, notably through his work with director Christophe Gans. Together, they adapted:

Resident Evil (film series) — produced by Hadida through Davis Films.

Silent Hill (2006) — praised for its atmospheric horror and faithful recreation of the video game’s world.

Silent Hill: Revelation (2012) — a sequel continuing his success with the franchise.

He also produced The Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), an international hit that blended historical drama, fantasy, and martial arts — a hallmark of his creative risk-taking.

Collaboration and Influence

Through his company Davis Films, founded with his brother Victor Hadida, Samuel helped bridge European and American cinema. He often collaborated with visionary directors and supported ambitious projects that mixed artistic storytelling with commercial appeal.

His productions were known for their high-quality visuals, unique narratives, and international casts, helping to globalize French cinema’s influence.

Personal Life and Legacy

Samuel Hadida passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in both European and Hollywood cinema. His brother Victor Hadida continues to oversee their companies, maintaining the family’s strong presence in film production and distribution.

Hadida is remembered for his passion for storytelling, his ability to merge creative worlds, and his commitment to supporting distinctive, boundary-pushing films.