Senior Lecturer, Film

Hideho Urata

HIDEHO URATA
  • MA Film, New York University, US

Hideho Urata is a distinguished director of photography whose career spans both independent and international cinema. 

After earning his graduate degree, Hideho refined his craft as a freelance camera assistant in the US, ultimately establishing himself as a cinematographer of international acclaim. His work has received widespread recognition at leading film festivals around the world, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected figures in contemporary cinematography.

Hideho’s cinematic artistry has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Best Cinematography Award at the 31st Fantasia International Film Festival (2009), and the Best Visual Achievement Award at the 19th New York Asian Film Festival for his work on The Clone Returns Home (2008, dir. Kanji Nakajima). This film, executive produced by Wim Wenders, highlights Urata’s innovative approach to visual storytelling, a hallmark of his career.

His collaboration with director Yeo Siew Hua on A Land Imagined (2018) further established Urata's reputation, earning him the Best Cinematography Award at both the 63rd Valladolid International Film Festival and the 12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The film also won the prestigious Golden Leopard at the 71st Locarno International Film Festival, underscoring the profound impact of Urata’s visual language.

Urata is also an active member of the Singapore Society of Cinematographers (SGSC). His work continues to inspire emerging filmmakers and established professionals alike, contributing to the evolving field of cinematography.

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Notable filmography

  • KAMATAKI (2005, dir. Claude Gagnon), which won five awards at the 29th Montreal World Film Festival and received a Special Mention for the Crystal Bear Award at the 56th Berlin International Film Festival.
  • 7 Letters (2015, dir. Boo Junfeng, K. Rajagopal, et al.), which was Singapore’s official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.
  • Last Shadow at First Light (2024, dir. Nicole Midori Woodford), recipient of the Best Cinematography Award at the Ho Chi Minh International Film Festival in 2024.
  • Stranger Eyes (2024, dir. Yeo Siew Hua), which was officially selected for the Competition section at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
  • PLAN 75 (2022, dir. Chie Hayakawa), winner of the Camera d’Or Special Mention at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.
  • Renoir (2025, dir. Chie Hayakawa), which was officially selected for the Main Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.