Join founders of Watermelon Pictures, Badie and Hamza Ali, for the launch of a new project focused on Palestinian and international cinema. In just one year, Watermelon Pictures has made its mark as a successful independent film distributor. This project underscores the importance of preserving and sharing Palestinian culture through film.
Present from Watermelon Pictures:
Badie Ali (Co-Founder & CEO),
Hamza Ali, (Co-Founder & CEO),
Munir Atalla (Head of Production),
Justin DiPietro (EVP, Distribution),
Daniela Sapkar (Publicity)
Badie Ali is the Co-Founder of Watermelon Pictures and Co-President of MPI Media Group, a leading independent film company based in Orland Park, Illinois. In 2024, he and his brother Hamza launched Watermelon Pictures to spotlight Palestinian stories and amplify voices from historically marginalized communities.
At MPI, Ali oversees operations across all its subsidiaries, including MPI Home Entertainment, Dark Sky Films, Watermelon Pictures, and the MPI Stock Footage Archive. With over two decades of experience, he is recognized for his entrepreneurial leadership and dedication to authentic, impactful storytelling.
In 2011, he was named to Home Media Magazine's "40 Under 40" Hot List. Ali holds dual degrees in Finance and E-Business from DePaul University and lives in the Chicago area with his wife and four sons.
Hamza Ali is the President of MPI Media Group and Co-Founder of Watermelon Pictures, a Palestinian-owned film label dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. His journey in entertainment began with his father, Malik, and uncle Waleed Ali, who founded a successful independent film distribution company in 1976.
Hamza grew up immersed in the entertainment industry, witnessing his family's transformation of a small venture into a leading entertainment organization. Today, he and his brother Badie oversee MPI Media Group, including subsidiaries MPI Home Entertainment, Dark Sky Films, and MPI Stock Footage Archive.
To honor Waleed’s legacy and their father’s vision, Hamza and Badie launched Watermelon Pictures in 2024. Watermelon Pictures is dedicated to using storytelling as a platform for change to imagine a liberated future. Hamza cherishes his family life with his wife Reem and their four children: Hedaya, Jude, Maryam, and Waleed.