Basma Khalifa is a Sudanese creative who has lived in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and now London. She began her career in fashion as a stylist, working with well-known publications like Vogue and Elle UK. After over ten years in fashion, she transitioned to documentary filmmaking. Her first feature-length documentary, “Inside the Real Saudi Arabia,” aired on BBC3 and BBC1, gaining over 10 million views and earning her a nomination for “Newcomer of the Year” at the Edinburgh TV Festival. She has since worked with various outlets, including the BBC and Channel 4, known for her storytelling that highlights underserved communities.
Basma has directed films for major brands like Meta, Apple, and Netflix, and has collaborated with celebrities such as Alicia Keys. Recently, she self-shot a documentary about two sisters in Cairo and directed a short film about the significance of henna in women's lives. Along with Alya Mooro, she co-founded Zola Studios, a creative studio focused on empowering stories from the SWANA region.
Basma is also a writer for publications like The Telegraph and The Guardian, and she consults for brands to help them reach their target audiences. As a keynote speaker, she shares insights on underrepresented youth and the importance of storytelling. Despite facing self-doubt, she remains dedicated to creating personal narratives that connect with audiences.
