Message from Creative

Amira Hassan is an award-winning animator and visual storyteller whose work seamlessly blends traditional Islamic art with contemporary animation techniques. Born and raised in Manchester, UK, to Egyptian parents, Amira discovered her passion for animation while watching Studio Ghibli films during her childhood. After graduating with honors from the Royal College of Art in 2018 with a degree in Animation, Amira began her career at Pixar Animation Studios, where she contributed to several successful feature films. Her unique perspective and incorporation of geometric patterns inspired by Islamic architecture have brought a fresh aesthetic to mainstream animation. In 2021, Amira founded Crescent Animation Studios, a production company dedicated to creating inclusive content that celebrates diverse stories and cultures. Her debut short film, "The Minaret's Shadow," which explores the spiritual journey of a young Muslim girl, received critical acclaim at international film festivals and won the Best Animated Short at the Dubai International Film Festival. As a practicing Muslim, Amira strives to create content that bridges cultural gaps and provides positive representation for Muslim youth in media. She regularly conducts workshops for aspiring animators from underrepresented communities and serves as a mentor for the Islamic Art and Culture Initiative. Currently, Amira is working on her first feature-length animated film, "Gardens of Paradise," which draws inspiration from ancient Islamic folklore and modern-day Muslim experiences. When not creating, she enjoys calligraphy, volunteering at her local mosque's youth program, and spending time with her family.