Ruben Östlund, born on 13th April 1974, is a highly-acclaimed Swedish filmmaker renowned for his satirical black comedy films, notably, 'Force Majeure' (2014), 'The Square' (2017), and 'Triangle of Sadness' (2022). His work has garnered various accolades, including two Palmes d'Or, four European Film Awards and nominations for three Academy Awards. His life in film started post his high school when he worked in various ski resorts in the Alps during winter seasons. It was in the Alps where he started producing skiing videos, eventually leading him to a job at a local production company.

Östlund later studied film at the University of Gothenburg, graduating in 2001. His application was accepted based on his skiing films. In partnership with film producer Erik Hemmendorff, he later co-founded Plattform Produktion, the production company which creates all his films. His movies 'The Guitar Mongoloid' (2004), 'Involuntary' (2008), and 'Play' (2011) set the stage for his future success. In 2014, 'Force Majeure' was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and his film, 'The Square', won the prestigious Palme d'Or in 2017. He clinched his second Palme d'Or in 2022 with 'Triangle of Sadness'. Östlund was the Jury president of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.