Amna H. Alnowais is a filmmaker based in Abu Dhabi. Initially interested in Diplomacy, she received a Bachelors degree in Hebrew and Politics from SOAS (University of London) before gaining filmmaking experience through a variety of roles on both local and international productions. In 2015, she directed her first short documentary, Omnia. The film went on to collect 5 awards internationally, screened at over 30 film festivals, and has taken part in panel discussions at Chatham House and Columbia University. Concurrent with her work in film, Alnowais is collaborating on several ongoing audio-visual projects with the Music and Sound Cultures research group at NYUAD, led by Music Professor and composer, Carlos Guedes. Projects include a series of short films documenting some of the musical traditions of the UAE, as well as an audio-visual installation featuring in Abu Dhabi’s Pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2023, where it was awarded the Theme Medal. She also co-teaches the summer Young Filmmakers Workshop with Scandar Copti held at NYUAD.