NADIAH HAMZAH
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NADIAH HAMZAH -
Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, Nadiah Hamzah is a filmmaker celebrated for her unique storytelling voice and her ability to explore complex human emotions with nuance and cinematic precision. After starting her career as a copywriter at McCann Erickson, Nadiah pursued an MFA in Film and TV at the renowned Tisch School of the Arts, NYU, where she studied under the mentorship of notable filmmakers, including Spike Lee.
Her debut feature, Motif, a noir-inspired thriller, earned critical acclaim and was praised by The Hollywood Reporter as a standout debut, establishing Nadiah as "the one to watch." Known for her bold narrative choices and a flair for compelling visual storytelling, she is a filmmaker unafraid to challenge societal norms and delve into provocative themes.
In addition to her work in feature films, Nadiah has made an impact with her socially conscious projects. Her anti-bullying campaign for NGO Save the Children went viral, earning prestigious accolades, including a Cannes Lion, Adfest, and The One Show awards, while underscoring her commitment to using storytelling as a force for change.
Driven by a passion for telling stories that provoke thought and empathy, Nadiah continues to push boundaries and champion bold narratives on the international stage.
The Hollywood Reporter - Malaysian filmmaker Nadiah Hamzah makes her feature debut with the Kuala Lumpur-set crime thriller 'Motif.'
Far East Film Festival - There are few female voices in genre cinema, and there are even fewer in a traditionalist context like that of the Malaysian film industry.
Mashable - Malaysian filmmaker bags bronze medal at Cannes 2019 for powerful anti-bullying PSA
The Rakyat Post - Murder-mystery film by Malaysian Cannes award-winning director will leave you in awe
The Sun - The one to watch
Prestige - 40 under 40
“Motif is imperfect, but Hamzah is one to watch”
— The Hollywood Reporter