Ali Murtaza

Writer and filmmaker Ali Murtaza, a native of Pakistan, grew up listening to his grandmother’s tales of war, lost wealth, and the miracle of life. This, combined with his love of literature and film, as well as his travels throughout the world, including to Iran during the 2009 uprisings, have made Ali a storyteller in his own right.

Ali, who majored in creative writing at California State University Northridge, is the author of the novel “To Love, Or Not to Love, That is Art,” to be released May 26, a series of short stories, and several screenplays, including the film, “Love By Any Other Name,” which is currently in preproduction and which he will direct.

His work has been published in magazines such as D-Eye-Y and Levels Below, and he regularly writes for the community newspaper, Topanga Messenger. Ali has also directed several short videos, including an artistic introduction to “Comedy of Errors” for the renowned theatre company, “A Noise Within.”

Described as a “visual writer” by his peers and able to “portray the nuances of life,” Ali’s novel, “To Love, Or Not Love, That is Art,” centers on a young woman whose encounter with the various aspects of love in her life provides the inspiration for her artistic endeavors. Reviewers have described the novel as “meaningful,” “beautiful” and “intense.”

Ali’s overarching goal is to be an international storyteller; however, his singular passions are filmmaking and to be able help others.

His immediate goals include establishing an international production company of which a percentage of all revenues would be donated to charitable organizations.

“My ultimate goal is to make feature narrative films and tell stories all over the world,” Ali says, “while working to make a positive mark in the world by encouraging charity through and with my work--to make a difference.”