Jalal Merhi started martial arts with Tae Kwon Do, then 2nd dan in Shotokan, then master in Choy Lay Fut and Hung Gar. He entered in over 150 tournaments with a great deal of success and it was then that he was approached by a producer for a movie role. The movie never started, but Jalal got to know many other people with influence and his career was born. He has since worked with martial arts legends such as Bolo Yeung, Cynthia Rothrock and Billy Blanks. He has grown to be a martial arts choreographer and director.
Jalal Merhi is recognized worldwide as an action film producer/director after successfully delivering over 20 films worldwide within a decade, and numerous short film projects.

Born in Brazil from Lebanese parents Jalal immigrated to Canada to study, and eventually he built an extension of his family jewelry business in Canada, keeping his sport of competitive martial arts on the side, also keeping his eye on his true love, filmmaking.

From its inception in 1989, Jalal Merhi's company, Film One, has carved its niche in the lucrative action genres, Jalal's commitment to high production values, commercial savvy and organizational skills are what make him one of Canada's most prolific and successful producers.