Alison Klayman

Alison Klayman, born in 1984, is an acclaimed American filmmaker and journalist, most recognized for her iconic 2012 documentary, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry. She grew up in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, and pursued her higher education at Brown University, graduating in 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. Post her graduation, Klayman embarked on a five-month trip to China with a college mate, a journey that eventually extended as she decided to stay back to learn Chinese and work. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to notable networks and publications including PBS Frontline, National Public Radio, and The New York Times. Klayman started filming a documentary on internationally recognized artist Ai Weiwei in December 2008, which marked the beginning of her most acclaimed work, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry. The documentary screen debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, bagging the Special Jury Prize, and later won a prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award in 2013. Some of Klayman's other prominent works include a documentary on fashion store Abercrombie & Fitch and "Unfinished Business," a film primarily centered on the WNBA, particularly the New York Liberty. Klayman is a self-identified Jewish woman.