Dana Dajani is a Palestinian actress and writer. Her performance as a visually impaired woman who regains her sight won her the "Best Actress" award at Tropfest Arabia 2011. The film was co-scripted by her and screened at Cannes Short Film Corner in 2012. Dajani gained further acclaim for her activism for Palestine through artistic work, including her spoken-word poem "Love Letters from Palestine". Education and early career Dajani began her undergraduate career at the University of Kansas, acting in productions for Paul Lim's English Alternative Theater (EAT). After performing with EAT at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and competing for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, Dajani left KU and moved to Chicago to begin her professional career. During her semester off, she acted in several student short films in Chicago. Through these student directors, Dajani discovered Columbia College Chicago. She transferred to the School of Theatre and graduated magna cum laude in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater with an emphasis in acting. During her time in the Windy City, Dajani performed on many of Chicago's "storefront" stages and participated in festivals such as Teatro Luna's 10x10, Rhinofest, and Abbiefest XXI & XXII. Dajani's last main-stage performance in Chicago was in Adventure Stage Chicago's production of Sinbad: The Untold Tale, an action-packed play in which she fought using shamshir and rapier blades. Current career In 2011, Dajani moved to Dubai. On stage, Dajani wrote and starred in Kalubela, winner of Time Out Dubai's award for "Best Theatrical Performance of 2012". Her short films have been in film festivals across the Middle East, garnering awards such as "Best Actress" in Tropfest 2011 and "Best Film" at the Arab Film Studio Competition 2013. Later that same year, Dajani was invited to Australia to develop and perform a new work at the Sydney Opera House. The play, Oneness: Voice Without Form was commissioned for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda. Dajani played 5 roles, including that of Sister Nevedita. In addition to theatre and cinema, Dajani is an event MC and presenter in Dubai. She has participated in headlining corporate events as diverse as black-tie galas to a staff retreats. Clients include Coca-Cola, Bridgestone, Etisalat, Damas, Johnson & Johnson, Bayt.com, Essilor and others. Spoken-word poetry Dajani is a published author and poet and often performs her spoken-word poetry solo in a theatrical