BIO
ALI ALKHAFAJI
DIRECTOR | WRITER | ACTOR
Ali Alkhafaji is an Arab-Dutch filmmaker specializing in horror comedy, blending scares with satire to create bold, unforgettable stories. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Ali's passion for filmmaking began with childhood spoofs of Forrest Gump and The Odyssey. By high school, his creative spirit led to a staged (and police-involved) fake kidnapping that became a sold-out mockumentary hit—foreshadowing his knack for offbeat storytelling.
After a decade-long career in construction project management, Ali returned to his true calling: film. Now based in Portland, he directs genre-bending narratives with a sharp eye for balancing humor, horror, and heart. His work has earned awards across the festival circuit, including Best Director, Best Horror Comedy, and Most Original Concept.
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Ali is also the founder and director of three acclaimed film festivals—Austin Under the Stars, Austin Spotlight, and LA Under the Stars—celebrating storytellers while supporting Autism organizations.
When he’s not directing, Ali can be found hiking, crying over a piano, or brainstorming his next twisted tale.
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📧 Contact: aalkhafaji5@gmail.com
