He is a Canadian director, writer, and producer, born on July 19, 1960 in Cairo, Egypt, and his parents are of Armenian origins. He began his career by directing the short film Lust of a Eunuch (1977). His most famous works are Ararat, Chloe, and The Captive. He was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for The Sweet Hereafter (1997).