Few emerging voices in modern storytelling blend film and literature as seamlessly as Negus Ali. Known for his cinematic depth and emotional realism, the filmmaker and author is making waves with his upcoming novel Hana’s Betrayal, now on presale, and his psychological suspense film Maya’s First Day.
For Ali, storytelling is not limited by medium. It is about connection. “Whether it’s through film or a novel, I want the audience to feel the story,” he says. “I focus on emotion, atmosphere, and human truth. That is what drives me.”
From Novel to Screen
Hana’s Betrayal introduces readers to a world of ambition, deception, and danger. Its cinematic tone and layered characters have already sparked interest in a film adaptation, which Ali plans to write and direct himself.
“It’s a story that lives beyond the page,” Ali explains. “From the beginning, I saw it visually, every chapter plays out like a scene, and the film version will expand on that vision.”
Expanding His Cinematic Voice
Ali’s upcoming film Maya’s First Day follows a college freshman who, after moving into her dorm, joins a school-organized trip. But when the bus takes an eerie detour, she ends up far from campus, isolated in a strange town, facing threats no one prepared her for. The screenplay was co-written with Gabriela Gonzalez, who helped enrich the story and deepen its suspense. The film is slated to make the festival circuit, highlighting Ali’s growing reputation for moody, character-driven storytelling. Maya’s First Day showcases his skill at balancing emotion and suspense on screen, with a haunting atmosphere and psychological depth.
Q&A with Negus Ali
Q: How do you approach storytelling across film and literature?
A: “For me, books are a way to create an in-depth world. You can really deepen the characters, explore the environment, and take the time to reveal inner thoughts and histories. Film, on the other hand, is more direct, it’s about showing the story visually, letting actions and performances convey emotion, and guiding the audience through what they see and hear. Both tell a story, just in very different ways.”
Q: What inspired your upcoming novel Hana’s Betrayal?
A: “Hana’s Betrayal was inspired by the beauty of Japan’s countryside and the idea of a young woman from a small village with ambitions that could take her far beyond her home, all the way to Los Angeles. I wanted to explore how someone from such a remote place might pursue her dreams while facing unexpected dangers and deception in a world so different from where she grew up.”
Q: What inspired you to write Maya’s First Day?
A: “I wanted to explore the tension of being a young person in an unfamiliar environment, that feeling of excitement mixed with fear. I’m drawn to stories where ordinary characters face extraordinary situations, and how they respond says a lot about them. The story also allowed me to play with suspense and psychological tension while keeping the characters grounded and relatable.”
Building a Creative Legacy
As an independent filmmaker and author, Negus Ali continues to carve a path defined by authenticity and artistic range. His body of work reveals a deep interest in human behavior and cinematic realism. Whether on set or behind the page, his creative process remains the same. He builds worlds that feel lived in and characters that feel real.
His work continues to captivate audiences across mediums, leaving an enduring mark on both literature and cinema. Fans and readers can follow his creative journey on Instagram at @negus_ali.
