Asif Kapadia

Asif Kapadia, best known for his trilogy of narratively driven, archive-constructed documentaries Senna, Amy, and Diego Maradona, was born in 1972 in North London into an Indian Muslim British family. Early in life, his unique perspective as a Londoner with Indian family heritage helped him stand out in film-making. Kapadia started his career with The Warrior, shot in the Himalayas and the deserts of Rajasthan, which won him significant recognition and awards. His work on Amy, based on singer Amy Winehouse, saw the world premiere at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. It went on to become the highest-grossing British Documentary of all time at the UK box office. His documentary film Senna, based on Ayrton Senna, earned numerous awards including the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary. In 2019, Kapadia released Diego Maradona, which expounded upon Argentine football legend Diego Maradona. His perspective as a filmmaker and commitment to showcasing unique and compelling stories have earned him critical acclaim and recognition in the industry.

In addition to his film work, Kapadia has also immersed himself in the realm of docuseries with his 2021 venture: 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything. With his films regularly earning top ratings, Kapadia continually establishes himself as an influencer within the documentary sector. Despite some controversy in his political views in 2024, which resulted in him being removed as a patron of The Grierson Trust, Kapadia remains an integral figure in the realm of documentary filmmaking. His ability to portray stories from uncommon angles and his dedication to showcasing these narratives in a compelling way portrays his commitment and passion towards his craft.