LAMAMIMET

Luis Adalberto Puenzo was born on 19 February 1946 in Buenos Aires and began his career in 1965 producing television advertising spots. He co‑founded a production company that later became Cinemanía S.A., establishing himself in the Argentine media landscape.

His breakthrough came with the 1985 drama The Official Story, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and brought international attention to Argentine cinema. The film’s exploration of the country’s recent history cemented Puenzo’s reputation as a filmmaker of social conscience.

Puenzo later directed the U.S. adaptation Old Gringo (1989) and served as president of the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) under President Alberto Fernández, influencing film policy in Argentina. He continued to work in both Argentine and international projects, mentoring younger filmmakers, including his daughter Lucía Puenzo.

Luis Puenzo died in Buenos Aires on 21 April 2026 at the age of 80, leaving a legacy of acclaimed cinema and cultural impact.