Usama Alshaibi, a multifaceted filmmaker, was born on November 20, 1969, in Baghdad, Iraq, a city that would later play a significant role in shaping his creative identity. His formative years were marked by a unique cultural dichotomy, as he split his time between the United States and the Middle East.
As a director, writer, and producer, Alshaibi has garnered recognition for his thought-provoking films, which have received grants from esteemed organizations such as the Creative Capital Foundation, the Playboy Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation, among others.
Throughout his career, Alshaibi has explored both narrative and documentary filmmaking, with his work screening globally and premiering on prominent platforms like the Sundance Channel and PBS. His documentary films have been the subject of feature articles in renowned publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Time Out, Punk Planet, and Variety.
Alshaibi's latest documentary, American Arab, made its world premiere at the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and has secured distribution deals in both domestic and international markets. With a total of 16 feature and short films under his belt, Alshaibi continues to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Alongside his creative partner, Kristie Alshaibi, he co-founded Artvamp, a production company responsible for producing the majority of his films. This collaborative effort has allowed Alshaibi to maintain creative control while also fostering a sense of artistic synergy with his partner.
