Karni Arieli

Karni is part of a BAFTA nominated directing duo with Saul Freed.

Karni studied photography at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem. Saul studied art and music and is a self-taught 3D animator and character designer.

They like to create what they call ” casual fantasy” , a place where beautiful photography and film can meet animation and magical elements.

They love a good juicy visual and an emotional gripping story.

In 2010 Karni & Saul showcased their short film ” Turning” ,made with BBC, a story of a magical afternoon with a boy and three huge birds, which then went onto feature at festivals worldwide, and was nominated for a BAFTA in 2011.

Their second short film “Flytopia” made in 2012 was commissioned by Film4 and based on a dark fantastical will self story.a very itchy film indeed. It has toured the festivals winning three.

They have made music videos and commercials for among others for flogging Molly, Katie Melua, the staves, Micha p Hinson, Beth Orton , Coke O, Maynard, Sainsbury’s and more

In 2014 they made a short film for Channel 4’s random acts called Skinmeal… including a lot of skin and living tattoos.

In 2016 they made a short fantasy film Fear on the subject of fear in early parenthood , commissioned by the Nowness platform .

Karni and saul were Selected as “Future Encounters” at encounters film fest 2011

And were selected as part of the Berlinale talent campus 2013.

They were also part of the elevator scheme with creative England in 2015.

Their most recent short, WILD SUMMON, narrated by Marianne Faithfull, was in the Shorts Competition at Cannes and nominated for Best Shoft at the 2024 BAFTAS.

They are currently developing an animated series for children as well as writing two features, and a couple of kids books.

They continue to create groundbreaking mixed media music videos and commercials.