**Samuel Theis** (1978) is a French actor and director known for his versatility and commitment to arthouse cinema.

His career is divided equally between acting and directing. He co-directed, with Marie Amachoukeli and Claire Burger, the award-winning *Party Girl* (Caméra d'Or at Cannes 2014), a work that explores themes of family and identity. His solo directorial debut, *Dalva* (2022), received the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Critics' Week, cementing his reputation as a sensitive auteur.

As an actor, Theis stands out for his intense and nuanced roles, often playing complex, fragile, or tormented characters. Among his most significant performances are those in Bertrand Tavernier's *La Princesse de Montpensier* (2010) and Philippe Garrel's *Un été brûlant* (2011). His acting style is characterized by a deep sensitivity and an ability to explore the most intimate human dynamics, making him a central figure in the French independent cinema scene.