Tamar Simon Hoffs is a multi-talented filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress. She is currently working on her new film, "Villa Aurora," starring Malcolm McDowell, which explores the horrors faced by artists during World War II. She is also set to complete "The WOMAN Collection" in 2020, where she will serve as director, producer, and star.
Hoffs is best known for directing independent films, including "Red Roses and Petrol" (2003) and "Pound of Flesh" (2010),both starring McDowell. "Red Roses and Petrol" won first prize at the Avignon Film Festival and was selected for several other prominent film festivals, including AFI, Bangkok, Galway, and Deauville. "Pound of Flesh" had its European premiere at the Oldenburg International Film Festival and won best dramatic film at the Sacramento International Film Festival.
Hoffs' directing career began in 1980 when she was selected for the American Film Institute Directing Workshop for Women. Her directorial debut, "The Haircut," starring John Cassavetes, was screened at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim. The film was later re-released in 2013 by the British Film Institute.
Hoffs has also worked on various other projects, including the art department of Leonard Nimoy's 1966 indie film "Deathwatch," writing the feature film "Lepke," starring Tony Curtis, and producing and directing the music video "Rock 'n' Read," starring Pauly Shore.
In addition to her work in film, Hoffs has also directed and produced music videos, including The Bangles' "Going Down to Liverpool" and "If She Knew What She Wants." She has also directed the play "Ghost Music" with Jennifer Warren, Pam Grier, and Nick Cassavetes.
Hoffs was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Chicago. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Chicago and graduate studies in Painting with Josef Albers at Yale University. She studied photography with Harry Callahan at the Illinois Institute of Technology and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from the International University College, Aix-en-Provence.
Hoffs is married to Joshua Hoffs, MD, and has three children and six grandchildren.
