Jalal Fatemi is a multifaceted Iranian-American film professional, equally accomplished as an actor and director, with a rich and diverse career spanning decades.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Fatemi graduated from Judge Memorial High School in 1975 and later pursued his passion for art at West Minster College and the University of Utah.
In 1978, he made the bold decision to relocate to Valencia, California, where he enrolled at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to study film. Upon completing his bachelor's degree in film, Fatemi began his journey in the entertainment industry as a production assistant on several notable Hollywood productions, including Francis Ford Coppola's One From the Heart and The American Heart, starring Jeff Bridges.
Subsequently, he worked as a film editor at Comcast Cable Vision, where he also honed his skills as a director and producer, creating numerous television spots and promotional videos.
In 1989, Fatemi embarked on an ambitious project, directing the sci-fi film The Nuclear Baby, which garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards at various US film festivals. The film's success led to widespread exposure on television networks across the United States and Europe.
In 1995, Fatemi returned to his homeland, Iran, where he continued to make a significant impact on the film industry. During his time in Iran, he directed and produced numerous award-winning commercials and television productions, as well as his first feature film, Nokhodi [Little Pea], which won the prestigious Golden Butterfly award for best film, best visual effects, and best direction at the Iran International Children-Youth Film Festival.
Fatemi's subsequent film, Don't Forget Your Childhood, a sci-fi comedy, premiered in 2015 and was screened at various international film festivals, receiving widespread acclaim and distribution throughout the country.
In addition to his work as a director, Fatemi is also a well-known actor in Iran, having appeared in a diverse range of films, including The Fox, Don't Be Tired, The Puzzle, 21 Days Later, Dressage, Weightlessness, The Silent Death, and Them.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jalal Fatemi has consistently demonstrated his versatility, creativity, and dedication to the art of filmmaking, earning him a reputation as a respected and accomplished figure in the Iranian film industry.
