Career
He made his directorial debut in 2000 with Louisiana Faute à Voltaire, which he also wrote. As an actor, his introduction to most English-speaking audiences was starring as Ashade the taxi driver in the 2005 psychological thriller Sorry, Haters, an "official selection" in both the Toronto and American Film Institute"s film festivals. He was decorated by the government of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2005 and in 2008.
Several days later a controversy erupted about Kechiche"s work methods.
Technicians on the film accused him of harassment, unpaid overtime and violations of labour laws. The two main actresses, Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos, also complained about Kechiche"s behaviour during the shooting but later in an extensive interview claimed that although he was difficult to work with, it had been worth it as he was a great filmmaker.
Denby, David (12 January 2009). "The Current Cinema: Survivors".
The New Yorker 84 (44): 72–73.
Retrieved 27 March 2009. Review of The Secret of the Grain.