Vincent Ward is a renowned film producer, executive producer, writer, and director, with a diverse portfolio of feature films that have garnered widespread critical acclaim, festival attention, and a broad, eclectic audience.
Ward's cinematic journey began with Vigil (1984),The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey (1988),and Map of the Human Heart (1993),which made history as the first films by a New Zealand director to be officially selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. These films collectively earned nearly 30 national and international awards, including the Grand Prix at festivals in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the United States.
What Dreams May Come (1998),a film that won an Oscar and received two Academy Award nominations, is another notable credit in Ward's filmography. The River Queen (2005),which won Best Film in Shanghai, and The Last Samurai (2003),with its four Academy Award nominations and Best Foreign Film win in Japan, further solidify his reputation as a master storyteller.
Ward's latest feature film, Rain of the Children (2008),stood out among 250 feature films to win the Grand Prix at Poland's largest film festival, and was also nominated for Best Director in New Zealand and Australia.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ward has received numerous accolades, including an Order of New Zealand Merit in 2007. He continues to actively seek out new material, with several projects in various stages of development.
As a testament to his dedication to his craft, Ward's films have not only earned critical acclaim but have also resonated with a wide and diverse audience, cementing his status as a respected and innovative filmmaker.
