Born in the Netherlands in 1953, he is an acclaimed animator and director known for his lyrical storytelling and delicate animation style. He gained international recognition with his short film "Father and Daughter," which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2001. His work is characterized by its emotional depth and visual beauty. In 2016, he directed his first feature film, "The Red Turtle," which was co-produced by Studio Ghibli and praised for its artistry and narrative.