Husein Alićajić is an award-winning writer and director and the founder of Sailor Pictures. Based in Los Angeles by way of Sydney, his work spans film, television, commercials, and immersive installations, unified by a focus on identity, control, and transformation.
His current slate includes Sweet Sixteen, a stylized psychological horror feature; The Blind Spot, a near-future sci-fi series based on the work of Jeff Noon; and Micronation, a comedy series he co-created that is in development with Bill Burr and his North Hill banner. He is currently in production on Fail Better, a documentary anthology exploring how people transform failure into personal philosophy, and YAWN, a large scale multi-channel film installation examining human connection through the contagious nature of a yawn.
As a commercial director, Husein has created work for brands including Meta, Ray-Ban, Ford, McDonald’s, Samsung, and Target. His work has been honored by the Sydney Film Festival, AACTA, Cannes Lions, Clio, AICP, Ciclope, New York Festivals, and the Australian Directors’ Guild.
Awards
Australian Directors Guild, Best Direction in an Online Drama Series winner
AICP Commercial Director’s Diversity Program, Finalist
Australian Directors Guild, Best Director TVC nomination
Australian Directors Guild, Best Director TVC nomination
New York Festivals, Finalist
AWARD Silver,
Ciclope Award, Silver
Cannes Lions, Film Craft Shortlist
Clio Awards, Film Technique Shortlist
Australian Directors Guild, Best Director TVC, Highly Commended
Spikes Asia, Music Spike Gold, Film Spike Bronze
Kinsale Shark Gold
Best Direction, New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards
Sydney Film Festival DENDY Award for Best Short Film
Best In Show, PROMAX/BDA
Official Selection International Film Festival Rotterdam
IF Award winner, Best Unproduced Screenplay
SPAA SHOWTIME Talent Assist winner
IF Award nominee, Independent Spirit Award