Borsu Highson

Filmmaker, Animator, and Creative Entrepreneur

Angelus Alister (Ali) Borsu Rafipoor Highson—known professionally as Borsu Highson—is a filmmaker and animator whose work brings together live-action cinema, hand-drawn character animation, and documentary storytelling.

His approach was shaped by opportunities to learn directly from Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, two of Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men,” the animators who helped define the studio’s classic films. Another important influence was Richard Williams, the Academy Award-winning animation director of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and author of The Animator’s Survival Kit.

Across his career, Borsu has worked in animation, production leadership, education, and independent filmmaking. His feature film The Mad King, filmed at Schwerin Castle in Germany, received international festival recognition and secured distribution through Summer Hill Entertainment.

Today, he leads Borsu Highson Productions, based in Bleckede near Hamburg. Alongside commissioned filmmaking and educational work, the company develops original projects including Little Peterman, a family adventure combining live action and hand-drawn animation.

Behind this work is a personal journey across countries, creative disciplines, and generations of filmmakers.