Short Film News (SFN)- French-Spanish filmmaker who made a documentary about gang life in El Salvador has been shot dead Wednesday in the Central American country.

The 52 year old "Christian Poveda" lived in El Salvador and recently made the documentary La Vida Loca, which follows the lives of members La 18 street gang.

During the filming of the 2008 documentary, Poveda witnessed several murders take place between the Mara 18 gang and its rivals Mara Salvatrucha.

Poveda first came to El Salvador as a photographer for Time magazine. He also covered wars in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and other countries.

Salvadorean President Mauricio Funes said he was shocked by Poveda's death and ordered a full police inquiry.