Imanol Uribe was born on February 28, 1950 in San Salvador, El Salvador as Imanol Karmel Uribe Bilbao. He is a director and writer, known for Días contados (1994), Carol's Journey (2002) and Bwana (1996).

Is of Spanish heritage and was raised in Madrid. Gained fame early in his career for his controversial socio-political portraits of the Basque people and their struggle to become a separate nation. Earned a journalism degree and later studied film direction. Lived with actress María Barranco [1982-2004]. They have a daughter, Andrea, born in 1993.