Since 1986, Jani is co-founder, partner and CEO Samsa Film in Luxembourg.
He is also co-founder and partner of ARTEMIS PRODUCTIONS (Belgium). At SAMSA FILM, in association with his partner/producer Claude WARINGO, and more recently Bernard MICHAUX, they succeeded in building the company’s strong reputation and capacity in producing commercial art house films. So far, Jani has produced and co-produced more than 100 feature films. Since 40 years, he jointly manages SAMSA FILM which is, by its size and number of its productions, the first production company in Luxembourg.
Jani THILTGES is also Head of Studies of EAVE+, and Board Member of EAVE, a professional training, project development and networking organization for audiovisual producers.
He was twice decorated by the Luxembourg Grand-Duke for his activities in the cinematographic field. In 2024, he received the honorific title of “Order of the Oak Crown”.
In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Prix Eurimages.
Jani THILTGES recent producer’s credits include: “LE DOUTE” (aka “Doubt”), debut drama feature by Thierry Besseling, “SIX JOURS, CE PRINTEMPS-LÀ” (aka “Six days in spring”) by Belgian director Joachim Lafosse, with Eye Haidara and Jules Waringo, awarded of Best director and Jury award of Best Script at San Sebastian, “UN SILENCE” by Joachim Lafosse, starring French actors Daniel Auteuil and Emmanuelle Devos, which premiered in Official Competition of the 2023 San Sebastian Film Festival, “15 YEARS” by Chris Kraus, “MORE THAN EVER” by Emily Atef, which premiered in Cannes 2022, in the “Un Certain Regard” section with Vicky Krieps and Gaspard Ulliel in the main parts, “THE RESTLESS” by Joachim Lafosse, selected in Competition, Official selection of the 74th Cannes Film Festival 2021, “WHERE IS ANNE FRANK”, Ari Folman’s animated feature; which premiered at the 74th Cannes Film Festival 2021, in Official selection. “THE ORPHANAGE” by Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat which premiered at the 2019 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, “BLACK 47” the Irish successful Braveheart revenge movie by Lance Daly (Berlinale and Toronto Film Festival 2018).
He has also produced these acclaimed and successful productions: “MÖBIUS” by Eric Rochant, “À PERDRE LA RAISON” (aka “OUR CHILDREN”) by Joachim Lafosse (Best Actress Award for Emilie Dequenne, 2012 Cannes Film Festival “Un Certain Regard”), “NE TE RETOURNE PAS” (aka “DON’T LOOK BACK” by Marina de Van (2009 Cannes Film Festival), “JCVD” by Mabrouk El Mechri starring famous international star Jean-Claude Van Damme, “IRINA PALM” by Sam Garbarski (Berlinale 2007), “COMME T’Y ES BELLE” by Lisa Azuelos (box office success with one million admissions in France).