Zuhir bin Hj Saari, a prominent Malaysian film director, who has achieved widespread recognition and acclaim throughout his illustrious career, has left an indelible mark on the global film industry, his innovative storytelling and cinematic vision captivating audiences worldwide, and his tireless dedication to his craft inspiring a new generation of filmmakers.
The illustrious filmmaker's career in the realm of cinema commenced with his work in television dramas, a medium he worked within until the year 1996, when he made his grand entrance into the world of filmmaking with the highly provocative and controversial motion picture, Perempuan, Isteri dan..., a cinematic masterpiece that garnered widespread critical acclaim and recognition, ultimately leading to him being bestowed the prestigious Best Director award at the 11th Malaysia Film Festival, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry behind the camera.
The year 1995 marked a significant milestone in the illustrious career of U-Wei, a renowned Malaysian filmmaker, as his cinematic masterpiece, "The Arsonist", also affectionately referred to as "Kaki Bakar", garnered widespread attention and acclaim within the international film community by virtue of its historic selection as the first Malaysian film to be featured at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, a prestigious platform that has long been synonymous with excellence in the world of cinema.
U-Wei has consistently demonstrated a bold willingness to defy conventional cinematic norms, exemplified by his recent foray into period filmmaking with the 2014 co-production, Hanyut. This ambitious project, a collaborative effort between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, is an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's esteemed novel, Almayer's Folly.
Set against the backdrop of 19th century Malaya, Hanyut masterfully weaves a narrative that revolves around the complex and tumultuous life of Almayer, a Dutch trader who finds himself struggling to eke out a meager existence within the confines of a Malay community.
Notable filmmaker U-Wei's esteemed reputation and profound expertise in the realm of cinema received widespread acknowledgment in the year 2022, as he was conferred the distinguished honor of serving as the chief juror for the documentary film category at the prestigious Moscow International Film Festival.
