Our Truth
Peace and blessings to everyone reading this. I’ve always dreamed of using my filmmaking beyond the world of weddings. Whether it be in sports, commercial, but most of all humanitarian work. I have always looked for opportunities that allow me to use this skill to make an impact.
The video landscape has transformed the trajectories of movements, companies, and more. I strive to craft videos that are candid, personable, and mood-setting. While in college, I collaborated with organizations like Thaakat, creating compelling promotional videos for their volunteer base. It was in the process of shooting, editing, and viewing these films that I discovered my profound enjoyment of this craft.
However, as I entered the corporate world, I had to temporarily put this dream on hold. About a year and a half into my job, I realized that I felt unfulfilled. With just one event on the books, I took the bold step of leaving my job, embracing the anxiety and fear associated with leaping into the unknown. Resuming my filmmaking journey, this time with a drone, I founded Ali In The Air, specializing in drone videos for real estate agents. From filming properties in Downtown Chicago to nearly getting arrested for flying in Granada, Spain, my path evolved from real estate to small engagements, in-home events, and eventually, full-scale South Asian weddings. In the first year of Ali In The Air, I booked over 40 weddings, and the rest is history.
Despite the joy of capturing beautiful moments, a lingering feeling persisted—I wasn't doing enough. Whenever I encountered a humanitarian organization in need, I dedicated time to address their marketing needs. My decision to leave toxic workplaces was motivated by the desire to uplift people and, by extension, organizations making a positive impact on those in need.
In my two years of experience, I've sought to use my skills for those whose voices have been silenced. Lately, I've been actively raising awareness about the ongoing Palestinian genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation. Beyond weddings, I attend protests to leverage my skills in spreading the word. The illegal Israeli occupation is unjust, inhumane, and has been non-stop brutality for more than 75 years that the Palestinian people have had to deal with.
This leads me to my final point. For those who have read this far, I hope you take this message to heart. If you are a vendor, especially in the wedding industry, it's crucial to possess a moral compass and the courage to speak up for what is right. The notion that business and politics should remain separate is a fallacy. The murder of over 30,000 innocent Palestinian men, women, and children is NOT politics; it is genocide. To clients who may feel uncomfortable when we openly advocate for Palestinian rights, and to those debating whether or not to hire us, we are an open book and would love to talk more about it. While we cherish every couple and their weddings, we are willing to forego business if you, in any way, justify the atrocities inflicted upon the Palestinians.
Free Palestine.
-Ali
