biography
Born in 1983 in Cannes, Romain Claris discovered his passion for the moving image at the age of twelve, during a trip to Niger where he witnessed the filming of Imûhar in the middle of the desert.
He first explored photography, working in black and white before moving to colour. To fund his first digital camera, he sold collections of his own poetry at Bordeaux train station. From 2000, he began directing his first short films — Infini in Spain, Real Trip in New York — before collaborating in 2004 with artist James Coleman on the Lisbon Project.
He graduated with distinction from the Conservatoire Libre du Cinéma Français in 2005, then founded the video department of the agency Claris Image Builder, going on to direct nearly 500 films for the luxury sector: yachting, châteaux, art creators.
A body of rigorous work, carried out alongside a rich personal practice — short films, documentaries, exhibition films — recognised by over a hundred international festivals.
As much a mentor as a filmmaker, he has been involved in educational projects since 2013, working with secondary schools in Pauillac and Talence.
He is also co-founder and director of the Bordeaux Shorts Biennale, an international festival dedicated to the one-minute film and the short film, showcasing new talent from around the world.