Gilbert Tanugi(1929-1992)
- Writer
Gilbert Tanugi was born in 1929 in Tunis where his parents ran a family
business selling agricultural machinery. He used to say that they had
introduced monoculture to Tunisia. After graduating with both a law
degree and a diploma from IDHEC (Institut des Hautes Etudes
Cinematographiques) in Paris, he returned to Tunisia in 1953 to begin a
career in journalism. At the same time, he became head of the tourist
advertising board and directed many documentary films. Back in Paris in
1960, he directed news bulletins on French television. Finding the job
tedious, however, he returned to advertising where from creative
director and copywriter, he gravitated towards the area of public
relations. He then opened an events promotion and public relations
agency, which not only launched the careers of many artists but also
industrial products, from non-woven materials to posters and cardboard
furniture. It was around this time that Gilbert Tanugi began writing
psychological thrillers and in 1970, for his third novel 'Le Canal
Rouge', he won the most important award for this genre 'Le Grand Prix
de Litterature Policiere' While his 32 thrillers form the main body of
his work, Gilbert Tanugi also wrote other books, including a study on
Tunisia published by Arthaud, which won the prestigious 'Grand Prix de
l'Academie Française' as well as screenplays and dialogues.
