Producer · Director of Photography · Creative Director
Ayar Rasool
Emmy & BAFTA-nominated storyteller working across conflict-zone documentary, broadcast television, and government advisory — from the frontlines of Mosul to the World Government Summit.
01 — About
Ayar Rasool is an acclaimed producer of short films and documentaries, who has been in collaboration with media agencies such as Apple TV+, Netflix, and HBO. His projects have garnered critical acclaim, marked by Emmy and BAFTA nominations, as well as a local distinction.
His notable contributions to impactful documentaries and films like WOMEN, Sisters in Arms, Hell on Earth, The Line, and The Crossing, showcase his exceptional ability to capture compelling narratives. These works, along with his phone videography for BuzzFeed News and his work for Vice News, BBC, and PBS, speak volumes about his talent, versatility, and adaptability in different storytelling styles.
His collaborations with high-profile figures and organizations — the work he has done in the UAE and the World Government Summit, as well as his involvement with NGOs like Amnesty International, Solidarités, Prosperity Catalyst, and DRC — emphasize his commitment to social and environmental issues.
In 2019, Ayar co-founded a production house, grei. This venture has further bolstered his creative pursuits, allowing him to foster larger distribution networks for his films. grei is poised to become the foremost communications and production agency in Iraq, renowned for its unique and impactful storytelling. Visit grei agency →
Access & production credits with
02 — Experience
A decade on the frontline of storytelling
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2019 — Present
Creative Director & Co-Founder, grei Agency
Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Creative vision and strategy, client collaboration, team leadership, project oversight, and quality control for Iraq's leading communications & production agency.
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2018 — 2019
Shoot Producer, All Corners & Producer, YouGov
Erbil. Camera operation, project planning, logistics and crew coordination, and post-production handoff across commercial and research-driven productions.
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2014 — 2017
Access Coordinator, Translator & Local Producer
Embedded with international broadcasters and press through the war in Mosul and the Kurdistan independence referendum — arranging access, security, translation, and production support for Danish Radio, National Geographic, HBO & Vice News, The New Yorker, Associated Press, the BBC, The New York Times, France 3, CCTV, and more.
03 — Portfolio
Films & documentaries
The Line
Two Emmy nominations for this feature documentary.
The Crossing
BAFTA-nominated (2023) drama series.
Hell on Earth
The Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award.
Mosul
WOMEN
Sisters in Arms / Sœurs d'armes
Shouted From the Rooftops
The Cycle of Trauma
Deng Documentary Series
Watch on YouTube →Also published on Vice News, HBO, BBC, PBS, BuzzFeed, Ruptly, NTV Russia, and Yalla Iraq.
04 — Photogrammetry & Heritage
Preserving Iraq's cultural heritage in 3D
ICONEM × UNESCO
Iconem is a French photogrammetry company that Ayar works for, specializing in 3D digitization of endangered cultural heritage sites. Their work is viewable on the Iconem platform.
3D photogrammetry surveying of Mosul's Old City and Mosul Museum, part of UNESCO's documentation of Mosul's urban heritage.
Additional heritage sites scanned: Assur, Ctesiphon (Baghdad), Old Town Mosul, Larsa (Iraq), and Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad).
05 — Behind the Scenes
In the field
Camera rigs, drone launches, and interview setups from years of documentary work across Mosul, Kurdistan, and beyond.
06 — Governmental & Advisory Work
Access at the highest level
For almost four years, Ayar served as personal videographer to the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani — travelling with him across Iraq, the UAE, the UK, and Europe, and documenting his meetings with heads of state and government.
- H.H. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
- H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, PM of the UAE
- H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman
- H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah
- H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
- Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- World Government Summit
Visit Kurdistan & Kurdistan Youth Hub
Co-Founder
Both Visit Kurdistan and Kurdistan Youth Hub originated from the vision of Areen Barzani, who entrusted Ayar with the opportunity to lead their development and transform these concepts into tangible, impactful initiatives. Working on these projects has been both a privilege and a significant milestone in his professional journey.
Visit Kurdistan was developed with the esteemed endorsement of Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region. The initiative was created to strengthen the region's tourism sector by showcasing Kurdistan's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique identity to audiences around the world.
Kurdistan Youth Hub was envisioned as a platform dedicated to empowering the next generation by fostering creativity, innovation, collaboration, and leadership among young people in the Kurdistan Region.
07 — Awards & Recognition
Nominations & distinctions
Emmy Award
Outstanding Video Journalism — Vice News
Emmy Award
2 nominations with Apple TV+ — The Line
BAFTA Nomination
2023 — The Crossing
The Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award
Hell on Earth — National Geographic
Headway Short Film Festival
The Cycle of Trauma — UNDP
Vimeo Staff Pick
"Captives on the Frontlines" — Amnesty International
08 — Events & Special Projects
Beyond the camera
Kurdistan Rugby Festival
Visit Kurdistan — Guinness World Record
Joss Stone's Iraq Visit
Retro Party, Erbil
Kurdistan Funk Project
TEDx UKH
09 — Businesses
Companies & ventures
grei Agency
Iraq's foremost communications and production agency, built for unique and impactful storytelling.
Exodus Events
Unique audiovisual events that are safe and accessible to everyone — a culture of freedom through nightlife and live experiences in Erbil.
10 — Contact
