Ayat Najafi (Persian: آیت نجفی, pronunciationⓘ, born 23 September 1976) is an Iranian film director and screenwriter.

He participated in a number of different theatrical productions as an assistant director, author, actor, and set designer.

In 2003, he established the Arta Atelier, focusing on an interdisciplinary, multimedia approach to theater, as well as experimental short and documentary film.

“Football Under Cover”, his 1st feature documentary, co-directed by David Assmann, premiered at the International Berlin Film Festival, 2008, and has participated in several other festivals, winning several awards, such as Teddy award for best documentary, Berlinale 2008 and Prix Europa TV IRIS.

Nestor Almendros Award for Courage in Filmmaking, Human Rights Watch Film Festival - New York.