I am Fabien Dufils, a French director and resident of the United States, passionate about storytelling across film, advertising, and music. My creative journey began in an unexpected place — within the French Army. I studied cinema at the Établissement de Communication et de Production Audiovisuelle de la Défense (ECPA), where I spent three years filming the inner workings of the military. This immersive experience allowed me to document the lives of soldiers, conduct interviews with high-ranking officers, and travel on assignment to active military zones. Here, I sharpened my visual language and learned to operate under pressure, on real terrain, with real stakes.

Following this formative experience, I transitioned into the world of documentary filmmaking. I worked as a camera operator for renowned broadcasters such as the France Televisons, Canal+, M6, BBC and Channel 4, where I spent five years traveling to over 60 countries. From war zones to remote villages, I captured stories of resilience, human complexity, and global diversity. That phase of my career shaped my eye for authenticity and my ability to connect emotionally through the lens.

After years of documentary work, I moved into the realm of commercials and music videos, where I could bring together cinematic storytelling and bold visual aesthetics.

Since relocating to New York in 2008, I’ve worked with an extensive list of global brands, including:

Footlocker, Red Cross, NYPD, Hyundai, Genesis, Gillette, L'Oréal, Vidal Sassoon, Pantene, Olay, Clear, La Perla, Camaïeu, NASCAR, Tapout, Sling TV, Damas, Elite Models, and the French Government, among others.

These projects have allowed me to collaborate with world-class athletes, actors, and public figures, crafting campaigns that are emotionally engaging, visually striking, and culturally resonant.

In parallel, I’ve developed a footprint in feature filmmaking. I’ve written and directed three feature films to date:

• One Buck (2017) – A gritty, character-driven drama set in Louisiana, distributed via Amazon Prime Video.

• No Dance No Life (2020) – A dance-infused documentary/fiction hybrid shot between China and Los Angeles.

• Implanted (2022) – A dystopian sci-fi thriller filmed in New York, Paris, and Las Vegas, distributed across platforms like Hulu, Amazon, and others.

Alongside film and advertising, I have a deep connection to the music industry, having directed over 200 music videos for a wide range of artists across genres. Some of these collaborations include:

David Guetta, Bob Sinclar, Damso, Ninho, Vegedream, Sexion d’Assaut, Calogero, Jenifer, Yannick Noah, Tina Arena, Jermaine Jackson, Joachim Garraud, Marc Cerrone, Big Ali, Demon, Michael Miro, Wati B, Sarah Riani, Francesca, Eva, Merwan Rim, Pit Baccardi, Gen Renard, and many more.

Each project—whether a music video, a film, or a commercial—has been an opportunity to explore new visual languages, connect with unique talents, and continually evolve my craft.

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Having spent the last 17 years living and working in the United States, I now bring together a Franco-American sensibility, blending European artistic depth with American cinematic energy. I remain committed to telling powerful human stories, and to collaborating with people who share the same hunger for creativity and truth.

My journey—from the military to global documentaries, to commercial and narrative filmmaking—has given me a rare perspective. 

Beyond the lens, my life has been shaped by a rich blend of cultures and experiences. I moved to New York City in 2008, a pivotal moment that marked not only a turning point in my career, but also in my personal life. It was there that I met my wife, a native of Texas, whose warmth, resilience, and spirit have been a grounding force in both my work and my journey as a person.

Together, we built a home rooted in creativity, cultural openness, and a shared love for adventure. Over the years, our partnership has given us the greatest gift of all — our two children — who remind me every day of the importance of imagination, honesty, and connection.

Today, I live between Europe and the United States, constantly navigating the space between two worlds. This duality — European depth and reflection, American energy and momentum — is present in everything I do, from the way I see stories to the way I live them. Whether in Paris, Los Angeles, or New York, I strive to keep my work and my family deeply intertwined, as both continue to shape the person and artist I am.

 

Technical Skills & Craft

I have been behind a camera for over 30 years, and the relationship I’ve built with the craft is one rooted in precision, intuition, and constant evolution. My earliest experiences came from high-pressure environments — filming military operations, documentaries, and field interviews — where adaptability and technical mastery weren’t optional, they were essential. This foundation gave me a profound understanding of the camera not just as a tool, but as an extension of storytelling itself.

Over the course of my career, I’ve worked across traditional narrative filmmaking, documentary, commercials, and music videos, continuously adapting to different formats, tones, and production scales. I’ve operated in intimate, run-and-gun settings as well as in full-scale, studio-level productions, always maintaining the same commitment to visual integrity and emotional resonance.

I have a deep and up-to-date knowledge of the latest camera systems — from ARRI and RED to Sony and Canon — and I’m fluent in both digital and film-based workflows. Beyond shooting, I’m highly experienced in post-production, including editing, color grading, and VFX pipelines. This allows me to oversee a project from concept to final delivery, ensuring creative continuity and technical excellence at every stage.

My hands-on experience and collaborative approach also extend to working with DPs, editors, colorists, sound designers, and post supervisors, enabling seamless communication between departments and a more efficient, creatively unified process. Whether I’m holding the camera myself or directing a full crew, I bring the same care and understanding to every frame.

For me, technology is never the goal — it’s the language. My goal has always been to use it fluently, elegantly, and powerfully, in service of the story.

 

 

Awards & Recognitions

Over the course of my career, I have been honored with over 60 international awards and 15 nominations, reflecting the diverse and impactful nature of my work across film, commercials, and music videos.

My debut short film, "Mr Bird" (2002), garnered critical acclaim, setting the stage for a series of award-winning projects. Its successor, "Toute une vie" (2003), continued this trajectory, earning accolades at various international film festivals.

The feature film "One Buck" (2017) marked a significant milestone, receiving widespread recognition:

• Manhattan Film Festival: Best Feature Film, Best Thriller

• Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards: Best Director, Best Feature in All Genres

• Sydney Indie Film Festival: Best Drama, Best Cinematography

• Festigious International Film Festival: Best Director, Best Narrative Feature

• Brazil International Film Festival: Best Feature Film

• Additional honors from festivals in Madrid, Calcutta, Portugal, Italy, and more.

In 2021, "Implanted" continued this success, earning:

• Los Angeles Film Awards: Best Feature Film, Best Narrative Feature

• Vegas Movie Awards: Best Narrative Feature Film, Best Director, Best Thriller, Best Cinematography

• Paris Cinema Awards: Best Cinematography

• Recognition from New York Movie Awards, Milan Gold Awards, Oniros Film Awards, and others.

These accolades underscore my commitment to storytelling that resonates across cultures and platforms, blending technical expertise with emotional depth.