Born in Baghdad in 1981, Saif Al-Shareef was raised in a family where creativity was as essential as breathing. His household buzzed with music, art, and technology, fostering an environment that would deeply influence his future. Yet, despite the diversity of artistic expression around him, it was cinema that captured his heart and paved the way for his journey. Today, Al-Shareef stands on the cusp of a significant milestone, preparing to shoot his debut feature film, *Random Selection,* in February 2025.
A Journey Across Continents
Al-Shareef’s cinematic career began in Egypt, where he worked as a film editor. Seeking broader horizons, he moved to the United Arab Emirates, where he became an integral part of the industry, working with major broadcasters like MBC and Al Arabiya. In Dubai, he took on roles as a producer and creative director, refining his technical expertise, particularly in color grading, an essential skill for visually capturing mood and storytelling. Gradually, Al-Shareef carved out a reputation for himself, directing documentaries that explored essential social themes and gained acclaim across the Arab world, with projects spanning continents from Europe to Asia and Africa.
His creative journey took a transformative turn in 2016 when he moved to the United States. Al-Shareef found a platform to deepen his passion for impactful storytelling, directing a series of documentaries on climate change for the U.S.-based Arabic channel Al-Hurra. He also directed independent films, such as *Joe Riv* and *Stay,* showcased on Amazon, in addition to numerous short films that went on to win awards at major film festivals across the U.S. His work highlighted pressing issues, making him an influential figure in the field of documentary cinema.
The Making of *Random Selection
In *Random Selection*, Al-Shareef takes on an ambitious new vision, one that examines the blurred boundaries between reality and virtuality. The film is designed as a thought-provoking experience, featuring five rooms, each one addressing unique themes—family, ethnic diversity, gender, and more. Through these stories, Al-Shareef aims to illuminate societal challenges, underscoring the thin line that separates reality from the digital world. This groundbreaking project, produced by i4 Productions, has brought Al-Shareef into collaboration once again with producer Miko Saad, with whom he worked on the successful series *Cairo to Hollywood* and *Ten Hollywood*. Together, they seek to deliver a film that not only entertains but inspires viewers to reflect.
For *Random Selection*, Al-Shareef cast Syrian actor Jihad Abdo, an esteemed performer known for his roles in the Syrian series *Bab Al-Hara* and for his work alongside Hollywood legends such as Nicole Kidman and Tom Hanks. Filming is set to begin in early 2025, with anticipation building as Al-Shareef prepares to present this unique cinematic vision to audiences worldwide.
A Visionary with a Global Perspective
More than a director, Al-Shareef is a storyteller who brings a global lens to local stories. His ability to weave human narratives with global issues has allowed him to create films that transcend cultural boundaries, resonating deeply with diverse audiences. His journey, from Baghdad to Hollywood, reflects the resilience and adaptability of an artist who never lost sight of his roots, even as he embraced new cultures and artistic practices.
Saif Al-Shareef’s journey is not only a testament to his talent and determination but also a story of an Iraqi immigrant who has successfully navigated the complex world of Hollywood, bringing his unique cultural perspective to the forefront. With *Random Selection* on the horizon, Al-Shareef continues to make his mark, reminding us that art can be both a personal journey and a powerful tool for dialogue and understanding.
