Egoyan, Atom (1960- )

Canadian film director and screenwriter. A talented, thought-provoking film-maker, he explores issues relating to sexuality, obsession, isolation, and dysfunctional relationships. Among his critically acclaimed, intricately structured works are Family Viewing (1987), Exotica (1994), which won the International Critics' Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and The Sweet Hereafter (1997), which brought him commercial as well as critical success.

Egoyan was born in Cairo, Egypt, to Armenian refugees who emigrated to British Columbia when he was three years old. His first feature film was Next of Kin (1984). Other films include Speaking Parts (1989), The Adjuster (1991), Calendar (1992), A Portrait of Arshile (1995), Felicia's Journey (1999), and Ararat (2002). His work for television includes Yo-Yo Ma Inspired by Bach (1997) and Krapp's Last Tape (2000).