London born British-Yemeni director Bader Ben Hirsi, a prodigious talent with a passion for storytelling, began his illustrious career at the tender age of 11 by writing and directing his first play.
His early success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London Fringe theatres earned him critical acclaim, with critics likening him to literary giants Edgar Allan Poe and Jean-Paul Sartre. The prestigious What's On (London) publication hailed him as a "writer and director too bleak and too brilliant to be missed", while The Scotsman praised his exceptional ability to craft psychological tension, stating that he "excels as a director".
After completing his MA in Drama Production at Goldsmiths, University of London, Bader shifted his focus towards projects that would help western audiences better understand the Arab world. His award-winning feature documentary, The English Sheikh & The Yemeni Gentleman, resonated globally, paving the way for his next endeavor: Yemen's first-ever feature film, A New Day in Old Sana'a. This groundbreaking achievement earned him further accolades and recognition.
Bader's subsequent projects, including ITN/C4's The Hajj: The Greatest Trip on Earth and 03's 9/11 Through Saudi Eyes, showcased his versatility as a storyteller. He also collaborated with Pyramedia in the United Arab Emirates, producing the first series of Abu Dhabi's groundbreaking Millions' Poet, a show that would go on to become one of the most successful in Arab television history.
His work continued to flourish, with Bader directing and producing The Arabian Oryx - Freed Spirit of The Desert, and co-producing the multi award-winning Iraqi film Son of Babylon. Currently, he is working on the feature film The Garden of Aden, a testament to his unwavering dedication to crafting compelling stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
