48 Hour Film Project 2014: Best Use of Line, 3rd Best Film, Audience Choice Award,
Screened in Dubai International Film Festival
DUBAI
2011 & 2012 | ‘Ümlaut’ and ‘Chrysanthemum’ were the first short films I had ever made, and both surprised me because they won awards. ‘Ümlaut’ was an experiment that was born out of a conversation, and ‘Chrysanthemum’ was part of the 48 Hour Film Project where you get only 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a short film. I never made a short narrative film before, but winning 4 awards for the film including being deemed the ‘Most Promising Filmmaker’ made me want to push harder and learn more about filmmaking as a medium.
2013 was a productive year for young Deena, as that’s when I made the majority of my short films in order to discover what my style and taste were. Abu Dhabi Film Festival was still in action, and 3 of my films got into the competition. It was the first time I participated in a film festival as a filmmaker, and until this day, is one of my most cherished memories.
I even made a vlog about it.
‘Chime’ was one of the most important films I've ever had the honor to be involved in. I supported my friend as her cinematographer, who directed the film in memoriam of her late sister.