Alek Keshishian is an award-winning director, writer, producer, and photographer. After graduating from Harvard, Keshishian began his career directing iconic music videos for artists including Bobby Brown, Elton John, Chrissie Hynde
When Keshishian was just 24, Madonna asked him to film her Blonde Ambition tour for HBO. Within a matter of days, Keshishian convinced Madonna to let him make a documentary of her entire tour both onstage and off. The groundbreaking film “Madonna: Truth or Dare” (aka around the world as "In Bed w Madonna") became the highest grossing documentary of its time and changed the conversation about celebrity and the LGBTQ community.
Following “Truth or Dare,” Keshishian directed Warner Bros.’ “With Honors,” starring Brendan Fraser, Patrick Depmpsey and Joe Pesci. The film was number one at the U.S. box office for the first two weeks of its release.
At age 29, Keshishian went to London for a two-week vacation and ended up staying for ten years. Turning his back on Hollywood, Keshishian focused on starting a new life in Europe, concentrating on photography and commercials. During this time, based in London, he directed and conceived award-winning work for clients, including Coca Cola, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Brut by Faberge, Aprilia, Bailey’s, and Max Factor.
In 2007, Keshishian returned to the US after writing, directing, and producing the indie comedy “Love and Other Disasters,” starring Brittany Murphy, Matthew Rhys, and Catherine Tate. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and its London premiere as the gala screening for the BFI London Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
While back in the US, Keshishian focused on his writing, penning scripts for Paramount, Universal, and Warner Bros. During this time, he collaborated on numerous projects with David Fincher and co-wrote Madonna’s first feature, “W.E..”
Keshishian also continued to direct ad campaigns and other special projects for Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, Jean Reno, Chelsea Handler, Conan O’Brien, and Sandra Bullock. His work captured these artists in novel, surprising, and authentic ways.
In 2015, Selena Gomez told Keshishian that she had watched “Truth or Dare” seven times and asked if he would direct her video for “Hands to Myself” (which was cited by Rolling Stone as one of the “sexiest music videos of all time”).
In 2016, Gomez asked Keshishian to film her Revival Tour. Keshishian hesitated as he had been offered countless music documentaries following the success of MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE but had refused them all. However, he was captivated by Selena’s vulnerability and authenticity and agreed to film a one-week test run if Gomez would give him total access. After the week, Keshishian and Gomez mutually agreed the timing wasn’t right, and Keshishian halted filming. In 2019, Gomez asked Keshishian to film her charity trip to Kenya. Keshishian accepted and, with Gomez’s permission, filmed a few days prior to their departure to Kenya. Those initial days of filming blossomed into a multi-year labor of love — a documentary that would follow Gomez on her road to recovery and renewal after a time of darkness chronicling her 6 year journey into the Light. Keshishian’s documentary feature film SELENA GOMEZ: MY MIND & ME, premiered at the AFI Film Festival and was released by Apple TV+ on November 4. 2022.
Keshishian lives between London, New York and Los Angeles and is currently partnered with Passion Pictures, a triple Academy Award winning indie production company based in the UK. He is currently developing a slate of unscripted work both as an Exec Producer and Director.
He is represented in all areas by Aleen Keshishian and Zack Morgenroth of Lighthouse Management & Media.