Roko Belic

Roko Belic, a distinguished filmmaker celebrated for his emotionally resonant documentaries, was born in 1971 in Seattle to parents of Czechoslovakian and Yugoslavian descent. He spent his formative years in Evanston, Illinois, where a childhood incident sparked his passion for storytelling. His mother, in an effort to keep the family engaged, permanently tuned their TV to PBS, exposing him to a wealth of non-fiction programming that expanded his worldview and ignited his love for cinema.

Belic's initial foray into filmmaking occurred in the third grade, when he and his brother, Adrian, utilized a super-8 camera borrowed from their parents. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. He pursued higher education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in studio arts and foreign languages. During his college years, he embarked on a transformative journey around the globe, immersing himself in diverse cultures that would later influence his creative vision.

After earning his degree, Roko and Adrian co-founded Wadi Rum Films, a production company dedicated to producing impactful documentaries. Among his notable works is the acclaimed film "Genghis Blues," which chronicles the journey of blind musician Paul Pena to Mongolia. Belic's ability to weave human stories with breathtaking landscapes has earned him recognition and accolades, firmly establishing him as a remarkable voice in documentary filmmaking.