Nancy Paton

A multi-award-winning Polish-Australian Director, Screenwriter, and Producer, Nancy Paton is one of the most visionary filmmakers shaping the MENA region and beyond.

Based in Abu Dhabi, she is the Founder of Desert Rose Films, a production company launched in 2015 to champion underrepresented voices, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern and female-centered stories. Nancy is deeply committed to amplifying women’s voices across the GCC and challenging global perceptions, leveraging a diverse career that spans Sydney, New York, London, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

As the President of the first regional chapter of Women in Film & TV in MENA, she passionately advocates for gender equality, advises MENA governments on film incentive programs, and continues to reinforce her standing as an industry leader and advocate.

Her breakthrough short film, Daisy, is a testament to her powerful storytelling, earning 16 international awards and being acquired by Showtime and Amazon Prime. Her short film Choke secured the prestigious $100,000 Grand Prize and Best Director award in the 48 Film Project in Los Angeles. Her feature film, Mountain Boy, adapted from The Boy Who Knew the Mountains trilogy, has achieved over 44 international nominations and 24 wins, including the coveted Diversity and Inclusion Award at Cannes 2023.

Nancy expanded her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree at Harvard University while developing two novels for screen adaptation and her feature film Frame, inspired by her time in Saudi Arabia. She continues her mission to cultivate up-and-coming talent, previously having lectured in Digital Photography, Screenwriting, and Storyboarding at Raffles Design Institute in Riyadh.