Prominent French Film Producer Nicolas Altmayer and Dior Figure Mathilde Favier Die in Road Accident

The French film and fashion industries are mourning the loss of Nicolas Altmayer, a renowned film producer, and his partner Mathilde Favier, the public relations director for Dior Couture. The couple died in a tragic road accident on Monday afternoon in Airvault, located in the Deux-Sèvres region.

Altmayer, 61, co-directed the production company Mandarin with his brother Eric. He was instrumental in financing and producing numerous successful French films, including the "OSS 117" spy comedy series, "Brice de Nice," and works by directors like François Ozon and Grand Corps Malade. He also produced popular television series such as "Cœur Noir" and Franck Gastambide's "Validé."

Gastambide, speaking through tears, described Altmayer as his producer for fifteen years and a mentor. "He was the first to believe in me," Gastambide said, recalling daily phone calls with Altmayer. "He was not only my producer but also my mentor, the father I would have wanted to have."

Mathilde Favier, 56, was a key figure at Dior Couture for over a decade, managing public relations and dressing international celebrities including Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Lawrence. Before her role at Dior, she spent eleven years at Prada and began her career at Glamour magazine. Favier was also known for her book "Mathilde à Paris" and founded the association "Esthétique & Cancer," which supports cancer patients through aesthetic care. She had openly shared her own battle with breast cancer.