Kaoru Ikeya was born in Tokyo in 1958. Graduated Doshisha University majoring Esthetics, Art Philosopy. Having directed documentaries for television, he released first theatrical feature film Daughter from Yan’an (2002), which received international awards, Best Documentary from Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Silver Hugo from Chicago International Film Festival, Vaclav Havel Special Award from One World International Human Rights and others. His second film The Ants (2006) marked the long running hit in theaters in Japan and won Humanitarian Ward from Hong Kong International Film Festival and CDS Filmmaker Award from Full Frame Film Festival. His latest film Roots (Senzo ni Naru) received Special Mention by Ecumenical Juries at Forum, Berinale 2013.
