Born in Cairo, Egypt in 1960, he moved to Canada in his youth. A prominent filmmaker known for his unique storytelling and exploration of themes like memory, identity, and alienation, he gained critical acclaim with films such as "Exotica" (1994) and "The Sweet Hereafter" (1997), the latter earning multiple Academy Award nominations. His work often features intricate narratives and a distinct visual style. He is also an accomplished stage director and has received numerous awards throughout his career.