Denis Villeneuve

Villeneuve in 2013, photo by s_bukley/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Gentilly, Bécancour, Québec, Canada

Date of Birth: October 3, 1967

Ethnicity: French-Canadian

Denis Villeneuve is a Canadian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He has directed the films August 32nd on Earth, Maelström, Polytechnique, Incendies, Prisoners, Enemy (2013), Sicario, Arrival (2016), Blade Runner 2049, Dune (2021), and Dune: Part Two. He also wrote his August 32nd on Earth and Maelström, and co-wrote his Polytechnique, Incendies, and Dune films.

He is the son of Nicole and Jean Villeneuve, a notary. His brother is screenwriter, producer, director, and actor Martin Villeneuve. His second cousin is race car driver and musician Jacques Villeneuve. Denis is married to cultural reporter Tanya Lapointe. He has three children, including director and screenwriter Salomé Villeneuve.

Denis’ paternal grandfather was Charles-Edouard Villeneuve (the son of Joseph Villeneuve III and Albertine Landry). Joseph was the son of Joseph Villeneuve and Philomene Morin. Albertine was the daughter of Adolphe Landry and Lucie Bergeron.

Denis’ paternal grandmother was Imelda Turcotte (the daughter of Napoléon Turcotte and Antoinette Turcotte).

Denis’ maternal grandfather was Bruno Demers (the son of Joseph Demers and Anna Carignan). Joseph was the son of Felix Demers and Eleonore Francoeur-Charland. Anna was the daughter of Edmond Carignan and Adele Beaulieu.

Denis’ maternal grandmother was Simonne/Simone Poliquin (the daughter of Wellie Poliquin and Clothilde Beaudet).

Sources: Genealogy of Denis Villeneuve –

Genealogy of Denis Villeneuve (focusing on his father’s side) –

Genealogy of Denis’ mother –