Qumra
We are truly honoured to present our Qumra Masters, a group of internationally renowned creative visionaries who will share with us their professional insights in a series of inspirational Master Classes to support the development of global storytelling.
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Lav Diaz
Lavrente Indico Diaz (aka Lav Diaz) is an acclaimed filmmaker from the Philippines—celebrated for his profound exploration of the human condition and the historical complexities of his homeland...
Read MoreMost well-known for his pioneering work in slow cinema, he often challenges conventional filmmaking norms by inviting audiences into a nuanced interplay of time and memory. With many of his films spanning several hours, his artistic approach appeals for careful contemplation, rewarding patience with a deeply meditative experience.
Born in 1958 in Cotabato, Mindanao, Diaz grew up during a very turbulent time in the Philippines, an experience that echoes throughout his work. These formative years forged a deep-seated commitment to documenting the struggles of his country through a cinematic lens. Assuming multiple roles as writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographer, production designer, actor, and composer—Diaz is able to craft beautifully layered films that are both universally resonant in their essence and profoundly personal in their execution.
Diaz’s works are defined by their thematic depth and unflinching portrayal of social and political issues. His magnum opus, ‘Evolution of a Filipino Family’ (2004)—a nearly eleven-hour epic—chronicles the trials of an impoverished farming family under martial law, offering a poignant reflection on his nation’s history. ‘Norte, the End of History’ (2013), which premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, was hailed as a masterpiece by international critics and described as “one of the most beautiful films seen in Cannes” (Jacques Mandelbaum, Le Monde). His equally lauded ‘The Woman Who Left’ (2016) won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, cementing his place among the world’s cinematic greats.
Visually arresting, Diaz’s films are characterised by their minimalist black-and-white cinematography and extended long takes. This purposefully poignant aesthetic choice amplifies the weight of his films, stripping away distractions to lay bare the emotional and historical realities he seeks to portray. Many of his works, such as ‘Death in the Land of Encantos’ (2007), explore themes of grief, survival, and resistance, connecting with audiences on a truly visceral level. The film closed the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival that year, earning a Golden Lion Special Mention.
Diaz’s creative influence extends far beyond his films. Hailed as the “ideological father of the New Philippine Cinema,” he has inspired an entire generation of filmmakers to explore their own histories and embrace bold, uncompromising approaches to storytelling. Recognised by festivals such as Locarno and Venice, where he has won numerous accolades, Diaz can undoubtedly be considered one of the most significant filmmakers of our time.
Lav Diaz brings his uncompromising vision and pioneering cinematic philosophy to Qumra 2025, offering an invaluable opportunity for filmmakers and audiences to engage with his profoundly unique approach to storytelling. -
Darius Khondji
Darius Khondji is an Iranian-French cinematographer whose innate ability to blend light, shadow, and composition has firmly established him as one of contemporary cinema’s most revered visual storytellers...
Read MoreWith a career spanning over four decades, Khondji’s work is celebrated for its versatility, innovation, and profound emotional resonance.
Born in Tehran in 1955, Khondji’s love of cinema began at a very early age inside his father’s movie theatres. Captivated by film posters and stills, his passion for the art form took root. Moving to France as a boy, his early fascination eventually evolved into a serious pursuit of film studies at New York University and the International Center of Photography, where he was mentored by influential figures such as Jonas Mekas and Haig Manoogian, drawing inspiration from legendary cinematographers like Gregg Toland and James Wong Howe. These formative experiences set the foundation for a career defined by an exceptional command of visual language and a vast aesthetic vocabulary.
His breakthrough came with Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro’s ‘Delicatessen’ (1991), earning him his first César Award nomination. His subsequent collaborations with David Fincher on ‘Se7en’ (1995) and ‘Panic Room’ (2002) further solidified his reputation for crafting atmospherically rich visuals that elevate every project he undertakes.
Renowned for this adaptability, Khondji has worked with celebrated directors, including on Michael Haneke’s Academy-Award-winning ‘Amour’ (2012), James Gray’s ‘The Immigrant’ (2013) and ‘The Lost City of Z’ (2016), and Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Okja’ (2017). His work on Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s ‘Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths’ (2022) earned him an Academy Award nomination, an ASC nomination, and a Silver Frog at Camerimage.
Khondji’s accolades to date include two Academy Award nominations, the second for Alan Parker’s ‘Evita’ (1996), a BAFTA nomination and multiple César Award nominations. In 2022, he received the prestigious Pierre Angénieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival, recognising his extraordinary contributions to the art of cinematography.
From the gritty, unsettling tones of ‘Se7en’ to the lush, nostalgic hues of ‘The Immigrant’, Khondji’s cinematography is marked by a profound understanding of light’s emotional power. His relentless innovation, evident in recent and upcoming projects with Josh Safdie on ‘Uncut Gems’ (2019) and ‘Marty Supreme’ (2025) and on Bong Joon Ho‘s ‘Mickey 17’ (2025)—continue to demonstrate his incredible range and enduring influence on modern cinema.
At Qumra 2025, Darius Khondji will share his artistic journey and his meticulous approach to visual storytelling, offering filmmakers and audiences invaluable insights into crafting images that resonate long after the screen fades to black. -
Walter Salles
Walter Salles is one of filmmaking's most compelling storytellers, whose works often explore themes of displacement, memory, and identity with a signature sense of humanity...
Read MoreAs a director and documentarian, Salles has brought us some of the most celebrated and internationally acclaimed works in Latin American cinema, including 'Central Station' (1998), 'The Motorcycle Diaries' (2004), and 'I'm Still Here' (2024). His instinctive ability to interweave personal narratives with much broader socio-political issues has made him a prominent and vital voice in world cinema.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1956, Salles' childhood was shaped by movement and cultural transition. As the son of a diplomat, his almost nomadic upbringing brought him to multiple continents—an experience that surely helped instil his innate sensitivity to the opposing themes of both exile and belonging. This early exposure to different cultures would no doubt lead to the formation of his cinematic approach, urging him to explore intimate yet universal stories of those who find themselves on the margins. Before turning his attention to feature films, Salles directed documentaries such as 'Socorro Nobre' (1996), showcasing his already well-established eye for capturing human resilience on film.
Salles gained global recognition with 'Central Station' (1998), a poignant road film about an unlikely bond between a former schoolteacher and a boy searching for his father. The film won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Foreign Film, in addition to receiving two Oscar nominations.
His biopic feature, 'The Motorcycle Diaries' (2004), chronicled the self-actualisation of a young "Che" Guevara. The film received more than 30 international awards, including seven BAFTA nominations and two wins, further cementing Salles' ever-growing reputation for distilling and narrating the precise intersection of personal and political awakenings.
His most recent work, 'I'm Still Here' (2024), continues his exploration of historical and personal memory, adapting the true story of a family living under Brazil's military dictatorship. The film made history as the first Brazilian film to win an Oscar for Best International Feature at this year's awards. The film's powerfully emotional depth also earned it the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival and a Golden Globe for Best Actress for Fernanda Torres.
Salles is also a passionate advocate for Brazilian cinema on the world stage. His achievements have been recognised with the Robert Bresson Prize at the Venice Film Festival (2009) and the Marcus Aurelius Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Rome Film Festival (2014). Across his career, his films have earned a remarkable three Palme d'Or nominations as well as seven Oscar nominations, including two wins.
As a 2025 Qumra Master, Walter Salles offers his unique voice and perspective to the art of crafting stories that coalesce the personal and the universal. His legacy is one of genuine empathy and exploration, reminding us that every journey—on screen or in life—can help reveal the true essence of who we are. -
Anna Terrazas
Anna Terrazas is an award-winning costume designer from Mexico who has garnered global acclaim for her intrinsic ability to transform characters and narratives through her craft...
Read MoreDuring her impressive career, which has bridged film, television, and theatre—Terrazas has worked with some of the most prominent storytellers of our time, including Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Sam Mendes.
Terrazas’s creative calling was born of an innate passion for art, nurtured by her mother’s shared love for textiles and her father’s painting. After studying fashion design formally in London and New York, she returned to Mexico, where her career blossomed initially in theatre—a medium that inspired her appreciation for the immense power of costumes in narrative development. She transitioned to film with Gael García Bernal’s ‘Déficit’ (2007), which showcased her innate talent for creating ensembles that reflect the deeply woven psychology and cultural context of characters. She later brought her expertise to Hollywood, serving as Costume Supervisor on Sam Mendes’ James Bond film ‘Spectre’ (2015).
Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to cultural authenticity, Terrazas gained widespread acclaim for her work on Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-winning ‘Roma’ (2018). She painstakingly recreated 1970s Mexico City, immersing audiences in its social and historical textures through costumes that honoured both the period and the personal lives of the protagonists. Her collaboration with Alejandro G. Iñárritu on ‘Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths’ (2022) further showcased her ability to merge realism and imagination, earning her an Ariel Award for her evocative and emotionally resonant designs.
Terrazas’s work with Rodrigo Prieto on the adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s ‘Pedro Páramo’ further exemplifies her dedication to historical verismo. By integrating traditional craftsmanship into her designs, she worked with local artisans to create garments that transported viewers to turn of the century Mexico—deftly weaving cultural and symbolic elements into the fabric of the film. Her subtle use of embroidery to reflect character arcs and fates highlights her truly innovative approach to storytelling through costume.
In addition to her feature film work, Terrazas has expanded and excelled in television, designing costumes for HBO’s ‘The Deuce’ and Apple TV’s ‘Hello Tomorrow!’—highlighting her unique versatility and ability to adapt her craft to a multitude of mediums.
As a 2025 Qumra Master, Anna Terrazas will share her expertise in translating narrative into visual form, offering filmmakers a unique insight into the transformative power of costume design. Her commitment to cultural preservation, collaboration, and creative innovation continues to inspire, solidifying her legacy as one of contemporary cinema’s most dynamic artists. -
Johnnie To Kei-Fung
Johnnie To Kei-Fung is one of Hong Kong's most influential and celebrated filmmakers, renowned for his masterful storytelling, genre-defying works and meticulous dedication to his craft...
Read MoreWith a remarkable career spanning over four decades and more than 50 films to his name, To has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Beginning his journey in 1974 at TVB—Hong Kong’s largest television station—To worked initially as a producer and director. Making his feature film debut with ‘The Enigmatic Case’ (1979), he quickly began to gain recognition for his innate ability to craft compelling stories across a wide array of genres. His early successes, including the heartfelt drama ‘All About Ah-Long’ (1989) and the stylish post-modern martial arts film ‘A Hero Never Dies’ (1998), demonstrated his distinctive ability to weave emotional complexity into gripping narratives.
To co-founded Milkyway Image in 1996, an independent production house that became synonymous with some of Hong Kong’s most innovative cinema. Through Milkyway, he created some of his most iconic works, such as ‘The Mission’ (1999), ‘Election’ (2005), and ‘Exiled’ (2006)—redefining the thriller genre with layered storytelling, thematic depth and masterful use of suspense.
His uncanny ability to combine visual artistry with poignant social commentary earned him recognition at major international festivals. He received two Palme d’Or nominations at Cannes for ‘Vengeance’ (2009) and ‘Election’ (2005); three Golden Lion nominations at Venice for ‘Life Without Principle’ (2011), ‘Mad Detective’ (2007), and ‘Exiled’ (2006); and a Golden Bear nomination at Berlin for ‘Sparrow’ (2008).
A hallmark of To’s approach to filmmaking is his organic and collaborative process, which allows stories to evolve naturally on set, capturing authentic performances and creating films that are as dynamic as they are deeply human. His long-standing relationships with actors and crew have resulted in a consistent artistic vision, marked by refined cinematography and a profound exploration of complex themes like loyalty, fate, and morality.
Beyond his own films, To has been a passionate advocate for nurturing new talent. In 2005, he launched the Fresh Wave Short Film Competition, which has since grown into an international festival which provides an essential platform for new voices from the region to showcase their work.
To’s extraordinary contributions to cinema have been celebrated with lifetime achievement awards from festivals including Locarno and Sitges, as well as honours from the Hong Kong government and institutions like Lingnan University. His participation as a 2025 Qumra Master reflects his ongoing dedication to nurturing talent and inspiring filmmakers—offering a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative voices in contemporary cinema.