Creative Director & Executive Producer
Producer · Writer · Creative Director
More than 20 years spanning television news, documentary filmmaking, screenwriting, digital product strategy, and brand communications. His work sits at the intersection of journalism, documentary storytelling, and cultural narrative.
Wali's career traces the arc of American media itself — from broadcast newsrooms to the rise of digital, from government communications to independent documentary filmmaking.
Began career in broadcast journalism, developing the editorial instincts and production discipline that would define two decades of work.
Helped shape national coverage during the pivotal rise of digital media. Forged a strategic partnership with The Gallup Poll and created interactive video formats later adopted by TMZ.
Led multimedia communications for major federal agencies, producing content for audiences in the millions and merging editorial rigor with innovative digital design.
Wrote, produced, and hosted feature-length documentary We, Too, Are America. Co-created and produced Culturally Incorrect for Tuti Media. Wrote and directed a documentary series for the NFL Players Association. Screenplay When the Dust Settles was a finalist in two international competitions and is currently optioned by Academy Award–winning talent.
Founded Lapis Media near Washington, DC to restore depth, beauty, and dignity to communities too often defined by how others have chosen to see them — through powerful, human-centered storytelling.
Feature documentary
Feature-length historical travel documentary
Uncovers the overlooked Middle Eastern and Muslim connections to Washington, DC — a film that embodies Lapis Media's mission of reclaiming narrative for communities shaped by displacement and misrepresentation.
Watch the trailer
Talk series
Three-part talk and editorial series
An acclaimed series exploring Afghan cultural identity, dating, shame, and marriage — produced for Tuti Media and TriVision Studios. Episodes include Afghan Dating, Afghan Shame, Guilt & Judgment, and Afghan Wedding & Marriage Stresses.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Screenplay
Feature screenplay
A finalist in two international screenwriting competitions. Currently optioned for production by Academy Award–winning talent.
HuffPost contributor
Widely circulated articles and essays that place Afghan culture, history, and identity in a context rarely offered by mainstream media.
Twenty years of experience in journalism, documentary, and narrative strategy — available for your next project.