Crafting cinematic worlds across live-action, 3D CGI and generative AI. A director who bridges cinematic storytelling with real-time CG animation, virtual production and emerging GenAI workflows.
Multiple GenAI commercial projects delivered across the MENA and South Asian region — concept to final frame on an end-to-end generative pipeline.
Live-action direction for global brands and government entities — including a cinematic launch film for an $8bn real-estate master project in Dubai.
Real-time CG cinematics and machinima built in Unreal Engine. Finalist at the New York Real-Time Animation Film Awards 2021 — Predation.
“Crafting cinematic worlds across live-action, 3D CGI and generative AI — bridging cinematic storytelling with real-time animation.”
Visionary filmmaker with 18+ years of across-the-board experience in feature filmmaking and 3D CG animation. Recognized for bridging cinematic storytelling with real-time CG animation, virtual production and emerging GenAI workflows.
Trained at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the BFI Academy, Umar transitioned into directing after building a strong technical foundation in all key aspects of film production. He has since directed both live-action and animated projects for global brands and government entities — including T-Brand Studio of The New York Times, W Hotels, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Emirates Airlines, and UAE / Qatar government institutions.
Umar works on the seam between disciplines — directing live-action and CG animation with the same eye, and treating generative AI as another world-building tool rather than a novelty. A holder of the Unreal Engine Fellowship in Animation, he has led the technical pipeline on three feature films and built the virtual-production workflow for a 144-episode US series.
His considerable experience directing live-action films and commercials translates directly into his CG and GenAI cinematic work — an approach rooted in the physical world, with the occasional deliberate misuse of what the 3D world allows, letting the camera exploit physics and break new ground in ways live action never could.
Trained at NFTS & the BFI Academy. Holder of the Unreal Engine Fellowship in Animation.
Directed 3D CG animation for the T-Brand Content Studio — the Times’ in-house branded-content arm.
Cinematic brand work bridging live-action craft with real-time CG and motion design.
Campaign and cinematic deliverables across hybrid live-action and CG pipelines.
Brand film direction — cinematic storytelling for the lifestyle-hospitality flagship.
Cinematic brand and campaign work for the UAE’s flagship international carrier.
Institutional and launch films for UAE and Qatar government entities — including an $8bn master-project launch.
Best CGI Animation — Digital Studio Awards.
Predation — New York Real-Time Animation Film Awards.
Global Real-Time Animation Challenge.
Wins as 2nd-unit director & editor — “Eserciti e Popoli”.