Amir Karimi, head of production at Fela, will now serve as both HoP and executive producer for the production company, based out of its Toronto office.
Karimi began his career in music videos and has worked with artists such as Drake and Miguel, and collaborated with global brands, including Facebook, Nike, and YouTube. Karimi’s abiding fascination with culture drives him, as he champions diverse voices amid the ever-changing artscape of Toronto.
Starting as a PA on music video sets, Karimi rose through the ranks and worked alongside future Fela executives before the company was established in 2020. One of the first Fela employees, he has played a significant role in growing the company and solidifying its position as one of North America’s most dynamic production houses. He has been instrumental in implementing a model built on cultural fluency, creative ambition, and a strong binational presence.
Karimi served as an executive producer on the Fela-produced Oscar-qualifying short film, Motherland. Directed by Jasmin Mozaffari, the film won Best Canadian Short at the Toronto International Film Festival, Best Live Action Short Drama at the Canadian Screen Awards, Best Drama at Aspen Shortsfest, and Best Drama at Hollyhshorts.
Born in Tehran during a revolution, Karimi’s family immigrated to Canada when he was eight years old. Drawing on the rich tradition of his Iranian heritage, his culture and history have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation throughout his career. He chose to attend film school and pursue production as a means of storytelling and as a catalyst for change.
“My goal has always been to affect change on productions and create more inclusive spaces,” said Karimi. “At Fela, we believe in providing a safe environment, free from ego and fear, where people are treated with respect. We have become known for that, and I’m proud to play a role. We share a vision of what the advertising and film industry can look like, and we’ve built a powerhouse of creative storytelling. I love the people at Fela and the way we continue to keep focus on shaping culture.”
“Amir is someone directors, crew, and clients trust implicitly,” said Taj Critchlow, founder and executive producer at Fela. “He has played a central role in shaping how we operate. This role recognises both his impact to date and the leadership he brings as we look toward the future.”
