Dennis Iliadis was born in Athens, Greece, and also grew up in Paris and Rio de Janeiro. He attended Brown University in Rhode Island, studying film and political economy before enrolling at the Royal College of Art in London. Iliadis is quickly gaining a name in the film industry, having taken on the director role for the remake of The Last House on the Left (2009). It is his first American film, and he believes its story to be a fascinating take on human nature. He previously directed the film Hardcore (2004), which went on to win the German Independence Award - Audience Award. His college graduation film, Ole, and his next short film, Morning Fall, both received awards for excellence.