LIJE SARKI is a writer, director, and producer who started his career making skateboarding videos and over the last decade has worked in nearly every cinematic medium imaginable. 

 

After producing the NBC series, PUSH with professional skateboarder Steve Berra, Lije was drawn to exploring more of the social nuances found within the skateboarder identity. His breakout short film, BELONG explores that paradigm and ultimately earned him an early Vimeo Staff Pick, internet hype, and festival acclaim.

 

Upon starting his production company, 1993, Sarki produced the indie sensation – THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON and the upcoming film – THE LINE, starring Alex Wolff. He is also currently in post-production on a collaborative film with renowned playwright and filmmaker, David Mamet.

 

Additionally, in recent years, he has written, produced, and directed two films: DOUG OUT, an independent thriller featuring Chris Bauer, and SWEET DREAMS, a comedy with Paramount Pictures starring Johnny Knoxville and Mo Amer. SWEET DREAMS premiered in theaters in April 2024 to critical and audience acclaim and DOUG OUT is currently in post-production.

 

In 2022, Sarki co-founded GRAVEL with Jay Carson (known for THE MORNING SHOW and HOUSE OF CARDS) to develop and produce bold, original film and television projects.  

 

Lije resides in Venice, CA with his wife and two children. He maintains his youthful spirit by surfing or skating daily.