Thomas Sotinel is a French journalist born on October 22, 1958, best known for his long career at Le Monde, where he has been a contributor since 1989. He first joined the newspaper’s music section, developing a reputation for sharp cultural insight and a deep understanding of artistic movements. His early work established him as a versatile critic with a strong narrative voice.

In the 1990s, Sotinel became a foreign correspondent in Africa, reporting notably from regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo during the eras of Charles Taylor and Laurent‑Désiré Kabila. His field reporting combined political analysis with human‑centred storytelling, offering readers a nuanced view of complex and often volatile contexts. This period strengthened his standing as a journalist capable of navigating both cultural and geopolitical terrains.

Since 2000, Sotinel has been one of France’s most respected film critics, writing for Le Monde’s cinema section and contributing to M le Mag and Le Monde des livres. He is also the author of several monographs in the Cahiers du cinéma “Grands cinéastes” collection, including volumes on Pedro Almodóvar and Martin Scorsese, as well as the book Rock & cinéma. His work blends historical context, aesthetic analysis, and a critic’s sensitivity to the evolution of global cinema.