Dana Hajaj

I am researching the images of Arabs that have prevailed historically in British film and television; exploring the relationship between British-Arab actors lived experiences and their representations on screen; and developing a TV drama mini-series that bridges the gap between the analysis of the representations and experiences. 

The female-led, autoethnographic, TV drama focuses specifically on women, who typically face distinctive challenges and added discrimination due to the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and class. The aim is to create a more rounded, heterogeneous counter-story that will challenge prevailing characterisations, explore the complexities of the British-Arab actor experience and highlight the diverse range of roles and representations that could and should be possible.

In doing so, I hope to raise awareness of, and expand the understanding of, British Arab representation in UK film and TV, to help change the opportunities available to British Arab actors.

I have a first-class Honours degree in Humanities with Creative Writing, and an MA in Screenwriting from UAL, London. In addition to these academic qualifications, I have relevant professional experience as an actor - having trained at the Identity School of Acting - and as a writer, script reader and filmmaker.

Research interests include Autoethnography, Screenwriting, British Arab Actors, Hybridity and Identity, Postcolonialism, Postmodernism, Performative Authenticity and Writing, Arab Screen Representation and Stereotypes, and Diversity and Employment opportunities within the UK Film and Television industry.