I'm a Filmmaker, Video Editor, and Photographer with 14 years of experience crafting compelling narratives in diverse and challenging environments. I began my career in the Middle East as a war correspondent and later worked as a video journalist for Al Jazeera Arabic during the Syrian conflict. I have collaborated with organizations such as the Associated Press, Channel 4 News, SPARK, WHO, UNFPA, and the World Bank, delivering high-quality visuals that inspire impactful storytelling. I am passionate about creating commercial videos as well as independent and feature films. Based in Whitby, Ontario, I am fluent in Arabic and English.

Abo Bakr Al Haj Ali

I'm a Filmmaker, Video Editor, and Photographer with 14 years of experience crafting compelling narratives in diverse and challenging environments. I began my career in the Middle East as a war correspondent and later worked as a video journalist for Al Jazeera Arabic during the Syrian conflict. I have collaborated with organizations such as the Associated Press, Channel 4 News, SPARK, WHO, UNFPA, and the World Bank, delivering high-quality visuals that inspire impactful storytelling. I am passionate about creating commercial videos as well as independent and feature films. Based in Whitby, Ontario, I am fluent in Arabic and English.

Available to hire

I’m a Filmmaker, Video Editor, and Photographer with 14 years of experience crafting compelling narratives in diverse and challenging environments. I began my career in the Middle East as a war correspondent and later worked as a video journalist for Al Jazeera Arabic during the Syrian conflict. I have collaborated with organizations such as the Associated Press, Channel 4 News, SPARK, WHO, UNFPA, and the World Bank, delivering high-quality visuals that inspire impactful storytelling.

I am passionate about creating commercial videos as well as independent and feature films. Based in Whitby, Ontario, I am fluent in Arabic and English.

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Language

Arabic
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Filmmaker, Video Editor, Photographer at World Bank
December 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Produced six short narrative videos designed to combat stereotypes about Syrian refugees commonly held by Jordanians, and vice-versa.
Video Producer at International Labour Organization
February 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Produced a series of videos showcasing how the ILO and UNESCO are restoring six heritage sites in northern Jordan to create jobs, boost tourism, and preserve cultural heritage — supporting both Syrian refugees and Jordanian communities.
Video Producer at World Health Organization
December 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Created a series of technical training videos and advocacy videos for WHO’s Regional Polio Eradication Programme.
Video Producer at SPARK
November 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Created a series of video products highlighting SPARK’s refugee programming in Jordan and Türkiye.
Filmmaker at UNFPA
December 31, 2021 - August 21, 2025
Shot, produced and edited a series of short films on women’s access to reproductive healthcare and the rise of gender-based violence in Daraa, Syria and Zaatari Camp, Jordan.
Cameraman at Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
August 1, 2019 - August 21, 2025
Documented SAMS medical missions to Jordan, shooting in clinics, hospitals and operating rooms.
M&E Field Coordinator at Adam Smith International
August 1, 2018 - August 21, 2025
M&E Field Coordinator for ASI’s Access to Justice and Community Support project, a civilian-led policing project in opposition-controlled southern Syria. Provided monitoring, evaluation and research support across activities including policing and the justice sector.
Freelance Video Journalist at Associated Press
December 31, 2018 - August 21, 2025
Filed video reports on a freelance basis covering breaking news, culture and sport in Jordan.
Photo and Video Journalist at Middle East Eye
December 31, 2018 - August 21, 2025
Filed frontline photos and video from Syria, and photo and news analysis from Jordan.
Field Cameraman at Al Jazeera Arabic
May 1, 2016 - August 21, 2025
Produced, shot and edited frontline and human-interest news packages for Al Jazeera television News from Daraa and Quneitra during the Syrian conflict. Received the Al Jazeera Shield Award in November 2013.
Video Producer at World Bank
December 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Produced six short narrative videos to combat stereotypes about Syrian refugees in Jordan and vice versa.
Video Producer at International Labour Organization
February 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Produced videos showcasing ILO and UNESCO heritage restoration projects in northern Jordan supporting refugees and local communities.
Video Producer at World Health Organization
December 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Created technical training and advocacy videos for WHO’s Regional Polio Eradication Programme in Jordan.
Video Producer at SPARK
November 1, 2023 - August 21, 2025
Produced video content highlighting SPARK’s refugee programming in Jordan and Türkiye.
Videographer and Editor at UNFPA
December 31, 2021 - August 21, 2025
Shot, produced, and edited short films on women’s reproductive healthcare and gender-based violence in Syria and Jordan.
Documentarian at Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
August 1, 2019 - August 21, 2025
Documented medical missions in Jordan, filming clinics, hospitals, and operating rooms.
M&E Field Coordinator at Adam Smith International
August 1, 2018 - August 21, 2025
Provided monitoring, evaluation and research support for a civilian-led policing project in southern Syria.
Freelance Video Journalist at Associated Press
December 31, 2018 - August 21, 2025
Filed video reports covering breaking news, culture and sport in Jordan.
Photo & Video Journalist at Middle East Eye
December 31, 2018 - August 21, 2025
Filed frontline photos and video reports from Syria and Jordan.
Video Journalist at Al Jazeera Arabic
May 1, 2016 - August 21, 2025
Produced, shot and edited frontline and human-interest news packages from Syria during the conflict.

Education

MA Filmmaking at University of East London
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2021
BA Media and Press at Arab Open University
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2020
MA Filmmaking at University of East London
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2021
BA Media and Press at Arab Open University
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2020

Qualifications

Documentary shooting course
May 1, 2017 - May 7, 2017
Data journalism training
February 1, 2017 - February 7, 2017
Hostile environment training
September 1, 2016 - September 4, 2016
Media ethics and press freedom programme
May 1, 2016 - June 1, 2016
TV editing course (Final Cut Pro 7)
November 1, 2013 - November 30, 2013
Documentary shooting course - National Film and Television School
May 1, 2017 - May 6, 2017
Data Journalism Training Programme - UNESCO / Canal France International
February 1, 2017 - February 7, 2017
Hostile Environment and First Aid Training - TYR Solutions
September 1, 2016 - September 4, 2016
Media programme on Journalistic Ethics and French Media - CFI
May 1, 2016 - June 1, 2016
TV Editing Intensive Course - Al Jazeera Media Centre
November 1, 2013 - November 30, 2013

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Healthcare, Government, Education