Raed Rafei

Raed Rafei is an Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where he contributes to the academic and creative exploration of media, identity, and global narratives. His work bridges independent filmmaking with scholarly research, rooted in over fifteen years of experience as a multimedia journalist and documentarian for major outlets including Al-Jazeera, CNN, and ARTE.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Film and Digital Media, University of California, Santa Cruz

Raed Rafei's research and creative practice center on documentary film, queer theory, and the representation of displacement and identity in the Middle East. His work explores the intersections of personal and political memory, often through hybrid cinematic forms that challenge traditional narrative boundaries. Themes such as exile, queerness as a performative act, and visual storytelling are central to his scholarship and filmmaking.

His recent and upcoming films reflect a deep engagement with historical and emotional geographies, particularly in Lebanon and the Arab world. These works have been recognized internationally, with premieres at major festivals like IDFA, signaling both artistic and academic impact.

Scientific Awards:

• Award-winning feature films screened at international film festivals

Raed Rafei has been actively involved in public scholarship, participating in interviews with institutions like The Orfalea Center for Global and International Studies and the Arab Queer Podcast, discussing themes of queerness, exile, and writing through imagery. While formal advising roles or grant details are not specified, his influence extends through mentorship, public discourse, and festival presence.

His current projects, including the world premiere of Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities at IDFA 2024, continue to expand the dialogue on transnational identity and cinematic expression.