Ari Rufino, a Kurd born in Amadiya, Iraq, has a rich cultural heritage that has shaped his life and identity. As a native Kurdish speaker, he still speaks the language fluently to this day. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1975 when a failed Kurdish uprising against the Iraqi Government forced him and his family to flee their homeland.
For one year, they lived in Iran as refugees, struggling to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos of war. Despite the difficulties, Ari's parents remained optimistic, envisioning a brighter future for their family. They made the bold decision to immigrate to Canada, seeking a new beginning in the Great White North.
Ari grew up in Windsor, Ontario, a city that would become his adopted home. He attended high school at the prestigious Walkerville Collegiate Institute, where he discovered a passion for the creative arts. The school's program in this field exposed him to the world of acting, sparking a fire within him that would burn bright for years to come.
After completing his secondary education, Ari continued his academic journey at the University of Windsor. He worked in the hospitality industry, honing his skills as a dealer and pit supervisor in casinos. However, in 2008, he made the bold decision to leave the casino life behind and pursue his true calling in the world of film and theater.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Ari relocated to the United States, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. His journey has been marked by perseverance, determination, and a refusal to let his dreams be deferred.
