Deva is a multifaceted creative force who has demonstrated exceptional skill and versatility in a wide range of artistic endeavors, including writing, directing, and cinematography. Her creative endeavors are characterized by a keen focus on a diverse array of genres, including comedy, drama, and genre-bending storytelling.
At the heart of Deva's creative passion is her deep affinity for misfits, a characteristic that she shares with the complex and intriguing characters she brings to life on the page and screen. This affinity is rooted in her own unique cultural heritage, which is a rich tapestry of influences drawn from her Egyptian-Maltese and UK backgrounds.
Born in New Zealand, Deva has had the privilege of experiencing a diverse range of cultures and environments throughout her childhood. She has lived in Indonesia, India, Switzerland, and the UK, each of which has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her perspective, worldview, and artistic vision.
Through her work, Deva seeks to capture the essence of the human experience, with all its complexities, contradictions, and quirks. Her stories are a testament to her boundless creativity, her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and her unwavering commitment to bringing innovative and captivating narratives to the forefront of popular culture.
Deva's illustrious career in filmmaking has been marked by a plethora of accolades, with her short films earning widespread recognition and acclaim through their screenings at prestigious festivals worldwide. Among these esteemed events are the BAFTA, Academy Award, British Independent Film Awards, European Film Awards, and Canadian Screen Awards qualifying events, solidifying her reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Throughout her career, Deva has accumulated an impressive tally of awards and nominations, boasting an impressive six wins and seventeen nominations to date. Notable among these prizes is the Silver Plaque awarded to her at the Chicago International Film Festival in 2003, as well as her joint runner-up finish in the BBC New Filmmakers competition in 2004 for her film Fishy.
In addition, Deva has received a string of awards and accolades for her work in the field of trailer production. These include the Best Trailer Award at the LA Underground Film Forum in 2017, the Platinum Award for Best Trailer at the Mindfield Film Festival in Los Angeles, and the Best Trailer Award at the Creation International Film Festival in 2017 for her Finding Clive Teaser Trailer.
With her impressive track record of success and her continued dedication to her craft, Deva remains one of the most respected and accomplished filmmakers in her field.
Deva's feature-length work, "The Grab", made its world premiere at the prestigious Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2019, garnering widespread acclaim and recognition.
Subsequently, "The Grab" went on to receive the coveted Best Concept Film award at the highly-regarded Catfish Short! Short Film Festival in 2020, further solidifying Deva's reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Throughout her career, Deva has maintained strong professional affiliations, including membership in the esteemed BAFTA Connect program, which provides access to exclusive industry events and networking opportunities.
Furthermore, Deva holds alumni status within the BAFTA Crew, a prestigious group of emerging talent in the film industry, and has participated in the BFI Guiding Lights Scheme, a highly competitive program that pairs emerging filmmakers with renowned industry mentors.
Under the guidance of the acclaimed director Gurinder Chadha, Deva honed her craft and developed her unique voice through this invaluable mentorship experience.
In addition to her professional affiliations, Deva has also been a part of the Berlinale Talent Campus, a prestigious program that fosters the development of emerging filmmakers and provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals.
Noted thespian Deva embarked on her artistic journey by securing a prestigious scholarship to attend the esteemed Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she underwent rigorous training in the art of acting. Following her time at Guildhall, Deva seized the opportunity to further refine her filmmaking prowess by spending a summer at New York University, thanks to the generous support of the William and Eva Fox Fellowship. This invaluable experience not only deepened her understanding of the craft but also instilled in her a profound appreciation for the importance of hands-on creativity, a philosophy that has since become a cornerstone of her approach to filmmaking.
Over the course of the past few years, Deva has devoted herself to the ambitious undertaking of producing a feature film titled Blue, which has finally seen the light of day, premiering on Amazon Prime Video in not one, not two, but three major markets: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This remarkable achievement serves as a resounding testament to her unyielding commitment and the exceptional collaborative efforts of the talented team she has had the pleasure of working with during this three-year journey.
