Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, directors of the film “Intouchables”, announce the death of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo

“We have just learned with immense sadness the disappearance of our friend Philippe Pozzo di Borgo”, announced Friday, June 2 on Twitter, Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, directors of the film Untouchables which had achieved more than 19 million admissions in France and which has been the subject of several adaptations, particularly in the United States.

The story of this film is inspired by the life of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo (author of the book Le Second Wind in 2001), quadriplegic since 1993, and his relationship with Abdel Yasmin Sellou, his home help, whose roles are held respectively by actors François Cluzet and Omar Sy.

“By accepting that we adapt his story in Intouchables, he changed our lives and the lives of many vulnerable and fragile people”continue the directors.

“A brave, dignified, humble and combative man”

In 2003, the documentary To life, to death, which returned to the life of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his friendship with Abdel Yasmin Sellou, had been broadcast on the antennas of France 3. The film will be rebroadcast in 2011 on France 2 thanks to the success of‘Untouchables. The documentary tells how the life of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo changes because of a paragliding fall.

At 42, the businessman becomes a quadriplegic and is condemned to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Three years after this tragedy, his wife Béatrice died of cancer. Philippe Pozzo di Borgo finds himself a widower and alone with his two children. A miracle then occurs in his life. Abdel Yasmin Sellou, in his thirties, becomes his home help and above all manages to bring Philippe Pozzo di Borgo out of his torpor. The latter then gradually regains a taste for life.

“We keep the image of a courageous, dignified, humble and combative man. We will miss his humor and his intelligence. Having worked with him during all these years was a rare privilege. We will try to continue all of his fights We think very much of his wife and children.”wrote Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano again, saluting his memory.