Welcome Ali Abbasi
Solab is thrilled to announce the arrival of director Ali Abbasi among its roster of talents. A Danish filmmaker of Iranian origin, Ali Abbasi has emerged as a major voice in contemporary cinema, known for bold works that have earned acclaim at the world’s most prestigious festivals.
The Apprentice (2024), his most recent feature film, made waves during its official competition premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film audaciously chronicles the rise of young Donald Trump in 1970s New York, under the mentorship of lawyer Roy Cohn. Powered by standout performances from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice was praised for its directorial precision and narrative impact.
Ali Abbasi directed the final two episodes of the first season of HBO’s series The Last of Us in 2023. Episode 8, titled When We Are in Need, features Ellie facing off against a group of survivors led by a preacher named David. Episode 9, Look for the Light, follows Joel and Ellie as they reach their final destination. Both episodes were praised for their direction, cinematography, and the performances of Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal. Abbasi brought his own distinctive touch to the series, helping to close the season in a powerful way.
In 2022, Abbasi had already left a strong impression with Holy Spider (Les Nuits de Mashhad). Presented in official competition at Cannes 2022, this thriller based on true events earned Zar Amir Ebrahimi the Best Actress Award. The film was also selected as Denmark’s entry for the Oscars, further cementing Abbasi’s international reputation.
Ali Abbasi’s talent was first widely recognized with Border (2018), his second feature film. A genre-defying mix of drama and fantasy, Border won the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Lauded for its originality and emotional depth, the film established Abbasi as a truly singular voice in modern cinema.
Solab is honored to welcome Ali Abbasi to its team and extends him the warmest of welcomes.
