Hannah Bent is an author and screenwriter whose work explores themes of identity, family, and human connection. Her debut novel, "When Things Are Alive They Hum," draws inspiration from her sister Camilla, who lives with Down syndrome, and has garnered critical acclaim. The novel was shortlisted for multiple awards, including the Indie Book Awards 2022, the MUD Literary Prize 2022, and the ABIA Book Awards 2022 in the categories of General Fiction Book of the Year and the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Bent holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Film from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in London. She further honed her craft through studies in directing and screenwriting at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, as well as a Master's in Creative Writing from the University of Technology, Sydney. Her literary career gained early recognition when she received the 2013 Ray Koppe Young Writers Award for her novel-in-progress, showcasing her talent for evocative storytelling.