Mats Muri is a Norwegian director, writer, and producer known for his innovative, genre-bending films. Born in Oslo in 1971, Muri has been making films since the age of 21. He studied film directing at the Norwegian Film School, and his debut feature, The Last Destination, earned him the Best Director award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2004.
Muri's films often explore themes of identity, alienation, and belonging, often set against a backdrop of rural Norway. His most famous work is the award-winning drama Reprise (2006), which follows the lives of two aspiring young writers. The film earned Muri a nomination for the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and cemented his reputation as one of Norway's leading filmmakers.
In 2008, Muri released his third feature, The Art of Negative Thinking. The film follows a group of disabled people as they attempt to find their place in a society that doesn't always accept them. The film earned Muri the Best Director award at the Seattle International Film Festival, as well as numerous other awards.
Muri continued to explore themes of identity in his fourth feature, Oslo, August 31st (2011). The film follows a young man's journey from drug addiction to a newfound hope and freedom. It won Muri the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as a nomination for the Palme d'Or.
Muri's latest film is the coming-of-age drama Norwegian Wood (2014). The film follows a young man's struggle to choose between the life he desires and the life that is expected of him. It won Muri the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Muri's films have earned him numerous awards and nominations, and he has become one of the most respected filmmakers in Norway. His films explore themes of identity and alienation, and his unique vision and style have established him as one of the world's foremost filmmakers.
