Kei Kumai

Master of Japanese cinema, Kei Kumai was born in 1930 in Sawara City, Chiba, Japan. His active years spanned from 1964 until his death in 2007, during which he created remarkable films in the genres of drama, crime, and mystery, most notably "Sandakan No. 8" and "The Sea is Watching". His profound storytelling earned him the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 28th Berlin International Film Festival for "Sandakan No. 8". Kumai's authorial style is characterized by his unflinching exploration of social issues and the human condition, often set against the backdrop of Japan's historical and cultural landscape. Kei Kumai, the man behind the lens, was a visionary who used cinema as a powerful medium to provoke thought and challenge societal norms.