Director, Producer & Writer

I’m an award-winning and RTS nominated director and writer with a particular passion for art, culture and the human stories behind them.

My work ranges from feature-length documentaries for international cinema audiences to factual television, short films and films for private collectors and galleries. Recent arts documentaries have been released in more than 300 cinemas across the UK and internationally.

At the heart of everything I make is story. I love finding the idea that brings a subject to life, the people who can illuminate it, and the visual language that gives a film its character. Much of my work explores history through a contemporary lens, bringing the past to life in ways that are relevant to modern audiences. I’m meticulous about casting and particularly enjoy working with contributors - creating the space for intelligent, engaging and genuinely human conversations both on location and in the edit.

I’ve directed, produced and researched documentaries and factual series for broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky Arts, filming extensively in the UK and around the world.

Alongside filmmaking, I write non-fiction books and articles for newspapers and magazines.

When I’m not making films or writing, I’m happiest near the sea, enjoying nature, cooking feasts for friends and family or wasting time watching videos of dogs doing stupid things.

I live with my family in Somerset, UK.

Ali Ray