48 Hour Film Project 2014: Best Use of Line, 3rd Best Film, Audience Choice Award,
Screened in Dubai International Film Festival


Sheikha Manal’s Young Artist Award: Multimedia Award

48 Hour Film Project 2012: Best Use of Prop, Best Actress, Best Writing, Most Promising Filmmaker

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.

 

BEHIND THE SCENES

On the set of ‘Love Impaired’ looking at how the sunlight came through her hair for that shot.

On the set of ‘Love Impaired’ looking at how the sunlight came through her hair for that shot.

When we bagged 4 awards for ‘Chrysanthemum’ and went for some well-deserved dinner.

When we bagged 4 awards for ‘Chrysanthemum’ and went for some well-deserved dinner.

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Our lil’ crew.
Behind the scenes photography was shot by Abdulla Bin Suqat.