Ari Folman is an Israeli film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his animated documentary film, Waltz with Bashir. Born on December 17, 1962, in Haifa, Israel, he served in the Israeli Defense Forces during the 1982 Lebanon War, an experience that deeply influenced his work. Folman's films often explore themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of war. In addition to Waltz with Bashir, he has directed other notable works, including The Congress and Where Is Anne Frank. His unique storytelling style combines animation and live-action to convey complex emotional narratives.