Donia Youssef works in TV and film with experience reading many scripts and is judging our 2021 Screenplay Award. Donia is currently working with a professional script doctor on a few of her scripts for a TV series, animation and feature film.
Award Winning Author, Donia is playing to her strengths and in parallel with her existing successful business, Tiny Angels Ltd - a renowned modelling and acting agency for children, she recently launched Tiny Angels Press which is a Publishing House supporting cancer charities and other cancer survivors who just like her, want to share their own stories and experiences. Proceeds from her book series are helping charitable causes.
Donia is an advocate for cancer survivors; she is raising awareness that behind every cancer diagnostic is a real person with dreams and aspirations, and she helps them to achieve business success.
Donia was born in London to an English mother and Egyptian father. One of five siblings, Donia was raised, and homeschooled in the Middle East by her Mother Maria, while her Father Dr Gamel, was working as a Consultant Anaesthetist in the army.
Just after celebrating her 39th birthday, Donia Youssef received the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer which had spread to her Lymph nodes. With only a 40% chance of survival, Donia faced the prospect of having to tell her children (aged just two and five) that she was sick and could possibly die.
Instead of shutting down, Donia decided to step up to the challenge and play to her strengths, lead her life with a renewed purpose and inspire others to overcome traumatic news, helping families suffering from serious illnesses.
After undergoing treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy she is thankfully in full remission. Her experience has given her a powerful new drive to not only live her life to the fullest but to use this precious time to help children suffering from cancer.
Donia is judging the Screenplay Award and says...
In a screenplay I am looking for 1. Story, 2. Characters, 3. Format. I really want to see the first 10 pages hook me into the story, so I can see the movie in my mind’s eye as I read the script. At the end of the day it’s down to what you like and if you’d go and see the film. If you can’t imagine the film then it’s probably not a good script.
Donia is also judging the Writing Award for Children's Books and says...
I will be looking for great children's stories containing strong messages to inspire, uplift, motivate and delight them.
Donia also launched Tiny Angel Film productions Ltd back in October last year.
This powerhouse businesswoman plans to use The Monster In Mummy as a platform from which she can help children with cancer to become published authors and to help raise funds for the charities which supported her and her family.
Donia is also the founder of Tiny Angels Ltd - a renowned modelling and acting agency for children.
