ALI ARKADY
Ali Arkady photojournalist, artist and filmmaker from Iraq. In 2017, Ali had to flee Iraq with his family when his life was threatened after photographing Iraqi armed forces committing war crimes. He sought refuge in Europe, where he was granted asylum and has subsequently built a new life.
His photographs of war crimes in Iraq were published worldwide by international media and put pressure on the Iraqi government to acknowledge the crimes committed by their soldiers. For this work, he won the prestigious Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents in 2017 and the Free Press Unlimited Most Resilient Journalist Award in 2019 for his exceptional courage and persistence. In addition, his work was shown as part of the Venice Biennale 2017. Prize des Amis des Beaux-Arts de Paris, entry into the Beaux-Arts de Paris collections 2022.
Ali's work focused on armed conflict and the daily life of his fellow citizens during the American occupation and the rise of the Islamic State. For over 18 years, he has portrayed the conflicts that Iraq has experienced and the consequences of that conflict with sensitivity and an unflinching eye. His work in Iraq also includes illuminating the Yazidis' plight, the Islamic State's violence, and the ensuing displacement of internal populations. He has also worked in Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, ifreaqand Europe.
He became a teacher in a UNHCR program for several Yazidi girls fleeing Islamic State who wanted to train to be photojournalists. He continues to mentor several of the students seven years later, and, in addition, he teaches young men and women from the Arab-speaking Kurdish and English world through programs at the VII Academy.
Ali continues to work on artistic and photographic projects that reflect his experiences and expertise, shedding light on human rights and social justice issues. He also continues to produce documentary and fiction films that contribute to raising awareness about issues of global concern. Currently, Ali is developing new works that address topics of displacement, migration, and the challenges faced by refugees, drawing on his artistic skills and field experience to convey the stories that need to be told.