BIO
Lena Sami is a British–Swedish–Assyrian–Iraqi screenwriter and author whose work blends commercial storytelling with humour, heart and emotional depth. Drawing on her experiences growing up between cultures, she writes cinematic stories that explore identity, belonging, family and cultural connection with a strong international sensibility.
Working across romantic comedy, adventure, fantasy, action and grounded science fiction, Lena is currently developing several feature projects, including a character-driven romantic comedy with global crossover appeal, in the spirit of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Crazy Rich Asians.
She is also developing a high-energy action comedy as both a feature screenplay and novel, in the spirit of Bad Boys and Rush Hour, combining action, comedy and adventure with an international ensemble.
Originally a performer, Lena trained at Identity School of Acting before transitioning into writing and story development. She holds a joint Master's degree in Innovation Design Engineering from Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, bringing a background in design, innovation and concept development to her storytelling.
Lena is also the author of the children's books Amira and The Emerald Falcon of Baghdad and The Sultan and His Three Daughters.
GALLERY
WRITER
SCREENWRITING – SHORTS
Valentine’s Day Therapy – Romantic Comedy Short Screenplay
A romantic comedy short screenplay about heartbreak, unexpected encounters and second chances, in the spirit of Notting Hill and Bridget Jones.
Recognition
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Winner – Best Short Screenplay, Bridge Fest Vancouver (Canada)
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Semi-Finalist – WIKI Screenplay Contest, Beverly Hills (USA)
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Honourable Mention – Macroproject Film Festival, New York (USA)
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Honourable Mention – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece)
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Shortlisted – Covertly Screenwriting Competition, reaching the Top 18% on The Red List and ranking #15 for Comedy Short Screenplays
404: LAYLA – Psychological Sci-Fi Short
A psychological sci-fi story set in a surveillance-ruled London, where a woman who disappears from a fully tracked society becomes the one person the system cannot decode.
Originally created as a short film for the 1 Billion Followers Summit AI Film Award in Dubai (UAE). The screenplay subsequently received international festival recognition.
Screenplay Recognition
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Award Winner – Asian Talent International Film Festival (India)
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Award Winner – 7th-RIFF-Roshani International Film Festival (India)
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Finalist – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece)
Pulse – Action / Sci-Fi Short Screenplay
A slick, tech-driven action thriller about three engineers whose search-and-rescue invention becomes a potentially devastating weapon. As friendship gives way to greed, guilt and betrayal, they must decide whether their creation should be saved or destroyed.
Iron Man meets Bad Boys. A proof-of-concept short screenplay with feature and franchise potential.
Recognition
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Award Winner – Asian Talent International Film Festival (India)
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Finalist – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece)
Sargon – Adventure Comedy Short Screenplay
A warm, fast-paced adventure comedy set in ancient Babylon, following a poor Assyrian merchant whose ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a hidden map pointing to untold treasures.
The Mummy meets Indiana Jones. A proof-of-concept short screenplay with feature and franchise potential.
Recognition
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Award Winner – Asian Talent International Film Festival (India)
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Award Winner – 7th-RIFF-Roshani International Film Festival (India)
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Award Winner – iDEAL International Film Festival (India)
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Finalist – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece)
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Grand Jury Choice Nominee – FFTG Awards Film Fest, New York (USA)
SCREENWRITING – TELEVISION
Threshold – Drama Series Proof-of-Concept Screenplay
A gritty, character-driven drama following a gifted but conflicted young man who leaves Stockholm for London after discovering that his estranged father is alive. Thrown into the world of a South London estate, he must navigate a fractured family, ambition and the consequences of the choices that shape his future.
Inspired by Snabba Cash and Top Boy. A short proof-of-concept screenplay for a limited series.
Recognition
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Award Winner – iDEAL International Film Festival (India)
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Finalist – Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece)
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Official Selection – Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela)
AUTHOR
BOOKS
Amira and the Emerald Falcon of Baghdad — Amazon (2024)
Children’s fantasy adventure.
The Sultan and His Three Daughters — Amazon (2025)
Children’s folktale-inspired story.
Lena’s children’s books are available worldwide on Amazon, written to spark imagination, cultural pride, and adventure for young readers. If you enjoy magical tales rooted in heritage and heart, her books are a perfect addition to any child’s library — or a meaningful gift for curious young minds.