Ali Fatehi, born in Isfahan in 1982, is a highly accomplished Iranian journalist and filmmaker. He has a wealth of experience in the film industry and has worked in both film and television in a variety of roles, including film editing, filming, and directing. Raft Films, which has received numerous awards from different film festivals for its significant contributions to the Iranian film industry, was established as a result of his passion for promoting Iranian and Middle Eastern cinema on a global scale.
Ali Fatehi’s contributions to the film industry have been invaluable, and his passion for promoting Iranian and Middle Eastern cinema is truly inspiring. Fatehi’s passion for writing is evident in his articles that focus on the rights of children. He founded the weekly publication “Daftar Koudaki” in 2012, which aimed to scrutinize various issues that impact the lives of children. Despite publishing over 30 issues, Fatehi was compelled to discontinue the newspaper due to insufficient financial support. In response to the tragic deaths of children during the “Women, Life, and Freedom” movement in Iran in 2022, Fatehi resolved to establish a new media platform that centers on children. This initiative, known as “Kudaki,” focuses on archiving and educating the public on this critical social issue.
Fatehi’s dedication to children extends beyond his media endeavors. In the aftermath of the catastrophic Bam earthquake in 2003, he traveled to the affected city and extended aid to children who were injured and residing in the Sib camp (Bam Aid headquarters). Subsequently, he continued his philanthropic efforts in Tehran and Isfahan, where he worked with Afghan refugee children and imparted education to working children in Iran. In 2022, he commenced his collaboration with “Badkonak Sefid,” wherein he engages in the study and education of children through the production of films and animations.
However, Fatehi’s political interests have posed challenges for him. In 2009, he was actively documenting and disseminating information about the Iranian presidential election protests, which resulted in persecution and ultimately forced him to flee Iran. This marked the beginning of his migration journey, which took him through various countries, including Turkey, the UAE, Syria, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Tunisia, among others. Through his immigration experience, Fatehi gained a broader perspective on these countries and the Middle East, which proved beneficial in his work and studies.