Ali Fadhil

About the Author

Ali Fadhil is an acclaimed Iraqi-American author, filmmaker, and journalist whose work bridges the harrowing realities of war-torn Iraq with profound personal narratives. Born in Baghdad, Fadhil's experiences under Saddam Hussein's regime profoundly shaped his storytelling, leading him to document the human cost of conflict through memoir and investigative journalism. His debut book, Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein: Based on a True Story, draws from his own childhood memories of playing video games amid political oppression, offering a poignant blend of nostalgia and critique on authoritarianism. A former correspondent for Al Jazeera and contributor to international outlets, Fadhil's writing has earned him awards for its unflinching honesty and vivid portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity. He resides in the United States, where he continues to advocate for Middle Eastern voices through his multifaceted career.