Horizon International School Student Lilya Hasbini Wins Emerging Talent in Film Production Award

Year 12 student recognised for her short film ‘Silent Halls’ and growing work in film and creative media at the UAE’s Next Mastermind Awards 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2nd July 2026: Horizon International School (HIS) is celebrating the outstanding achievement of Year 12 student Lilya Hasbini, who has received the ‘Emerging Talent in Film Production Award’ at the UAE’s Next Mastermind Awards 2026 held at Anantara Downtown Dubai on 27ᵗʰ June.
At just 17 years old, Lilya was recognised for her promise in film production, visual storytelling, and creative media, standing out among an influential gathering of visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, and changemakers.

Currently studying AS Levels in Media Studies, English Literature, and Geography at Horizon International School, Lilya was independently selected by the Mastermind Awards team following a competitive screening process. The awards team identified her work through her original psychological thriller title sequence ‘Silent Halls’, alongside her growing portfolio of creative projects, media experience and extracurricular work in film production

Developed as part of her Media Studies coursework, ‘Silent Halls’ explores the perspective of a teenage protagonist living with schizophrenia within an ordinary school environment, gradually blurring the line between reality and illusion through cinematic storytelling.

Alongside her studies, Lilya is already gaining industry experience as a Junior Creative and Production Executive Intern at Kaleido Pictures – a youth-led film organisation based in the MENA region – where she contributes to collaborative film and visual media productions through production coordination, creative planning, and content development. She is currently involved in several international projects, including those involving award-winning industry professionals.

During the awards ceremony, Lilya accepted the award on stage and spoke about her work and appreciation for the recognition of young creative talent.

Reflecting on the recognition, Lilya Hasbini, said: “Receiving this award means a great deal to me, as it recognises both the work I’ve put into film and the direction I hope to take it in the years ahead. Much of that journey began at school, where the Media department gave me the foundation and the confidence to develop my skills. The encouragement I found there gave me the space to take creative risks and grow as a filmmaker. That support has played a real part in getting me to where I am today, and I’m genuinely grateful for it.”

Beyond filmmaking, Lilya is also a respected student leader within the Horizon International School community, serving as Deputy Head of Media for the Model United Nations (MUN) and Head of Wellbeing within the Student Leadership Team. She is also a published co-author of ‘Voices of Tomorrow’, a collection featuring young thought leaders sharing perspectives on global issues and future change, reflecting her passion for storytelling and creative expression across multiple platforms.

Ms Jerdenne Wilson, Subject Lead for Media Studies at Horizon International School and Lilya’s teacher, praised both her talent and dedication, and said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to teach Lilya over the past three years and watch her grow in confidence and skill into the talented young person she is today. She has consistently excelled in the subject, achieving the highest grade in her cohort at GCSE last year, and went on to receive the attainment award for the subject this academic year. The coursework she submitted for the UAE Next Mastermind Awards is a testament to the dedication and craft she has brought to her studies; truly a masterpiece, and a clear reflection of just how gifted she is.”

Looking ahead, Lilya hopes to pursue film and media studies at universities including NYU Abu Dhabi, with ambitions to continue building a career in directing, film production, and the wider creative industries.

Her achievement reflects Horizon International School’s continued commitment to supporting student creativity, ambition, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Founded more than 14 years ago, the UAE’s Next Mastermind Awards is an internationally recognised platform celebrating leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, and emerging talent. The 2026 edition, held in partnership with Gulf News and The Art of Living Foundation, brought together distinguished figures from business, media, entertainment, sport, and social impact sectors.