Malak Quota

Bio

Malak Quota is an accomplished filmmaker and academic, with a professional career spanning over two decades.

She has earned a BFA in Digital Media from the Otis College of Art and Design and an MFA in Animation and Digital Arts from the University of Southern California. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Film Studies from the University of Essex.

Throughout her career, she has worked across creative industries in the USA, KSA, and the UAE, holding roles in digital agencies and production studios such as TwoFour54, Muddville, Made in Saudi Films, That Game Company, and Big Machine. She has contributed her expertise as a director, writer, editor, and animator, with an impressive filmography that includes award-winning projects like "With Time" and "Free As A Bird." Her recent VR film, "Surrounded Serenity," was showcased at SIGGRAPH VR Theater 2024 and has won several festival awards. She is currently developing multiple projects, including two feature films.

As an Associate Professor, she teaches a variety of animation courses, including 3D modeling, History of Animation, and senior projects. While serving as the Animation Program Coordinator, she enhanced the course offerings and program plan. She is deeply committed to supporting the program and continually enriching the student's learning experience.

Her scholarly research is focused on censorship and constraints, representations, and identity in Saudi films and animation. Malak's films are a blend of live-action and animation, merging fantasy with reality to create visually captivating narratives. Her narratives are inspired by experiences and stories of people from the Gulf region, that emotionally resonate with a broad audience.

Office

Dubai Academic City, Dubai

Email:

Teaching Areas

Animation course I, II & III, 3D animation and modeling, History of animation, Senior Research, and Senior Project. 

Research and Professional Activities

Her scholarly research is focused on censorship and constraints, representations, and identity in Saudi films and animation. 

Malak's films are a blend of live-action and animation, merging fantasy with reality to create visually captivating narratives. Her narratives are inspired by experiences and stories of people from the Gulf region, that emotionally resonate with a broad audience.