ANABEL ESTRELLA
Originally from Madrid, Anabel Estrella is a self-taught film director, writer and producer. She dived into film school at age 18. Combining the knowledge from her 2-Year Associate’s Degree in Filmmaking and other programs such as Sundance Collab Directing and Producing, Ana set out to find her own journey in filmmaking.
“I can’t wait to spend every day of my life crafting stories that uplift, inspire, and bring joy. Making people feel, think, and escape into another world—that’s what fuels me to keep going.”
WRITER & DIRECTOR
Anabel Estrella is an very young film director with an unparalleled dedication to storytelling — blending genres such as comedy, drama, thriller, musical, coming of age, with themes that explore the complexities of identity, social issues, the meaning of life, and the understanding of human condition in different environments, worlds and backgrounds.
In 2022, Ana was commissioned by the association W STARTUP C the short film/commercial ‘What’s Your Dream’, to promote women entrepreneurship. It went on to be presented by Juan Antonio Vigar (Malaga’s prestigious film festival director) during a congress in Malaga. Ana started working on her stories early in her life. To date, at her 23 years, she has a total of 10+ short films, 19+ music videos, 40+ selections and nominations and ten wins in festivals all around the world.
Ana meticulously crafts each project — infusing it with exquisite detail and emotional resonance, weaving together layers of cinematography, costume, production design, music... Drawing from her deep love for both pop culture and classic cinema, Ana's work stands out for its unique blend of visual appeal and narrative depth.
Short Films
Short Films
Two Awards, 2024.
Barbara and Fonso, a young filmmaker couple, attend a film festival. What was an important night for their future in the industry and something magical for both of them turns into an discussion that shakes the foundations of their relationship when Fonso wins the two awards for which they were both nominated.
CURRENTLY IN POST PRODUCTION
I Thought Everything was Going Well and then One Night it All Changed, 2022.
Three friends get lost on their way to their graduation party and end up at a gas station late at night. They are involved in a robbery, and only one of them realizes it.
Waiting for What, 2022.
While waiting to be called for a casting, two actresses begin to compete with each other. Mia has not acted for some time and wants to regain her self-confidence. In her interview with the casting director, she has to deal with the doubts that sabotage her new opportunity. When Andrea enters the casting room, the two actresses can't help but see which of them is better than the other.
Descending, 2023.
A young actress, driven by an insatiable desire to impress her stern acting coach, becomes trapped in a relentless cycle of rehearsing the same scene. As her obsession deepens, the boundaries between fiction and reality blur, leading to a gripping exploration of the toll artistic ambition can take on one's sanity.
Happily Ever After, 2021.
Cloe and Diego need money before leaving. So they both kidnap someone they are sure can give them what they want. The thing is that, as people, we often screw up a lot...
The Idealistic-Realist Proposal, 2021.
While preparing a debate, two friends face the consequences of their own opinions on the topic.
“Anabel Estrella has already proven herself capable of crafting well-written shorts that pack serious substance in a light-hearted package. With all that in under ten minutes, it’s highly intriguing to think what she could do with a longer runtime and a bigger budget.”
TV PILOT: THE KINGS OF THE WORLD
In June 2024, Ana was set to direct the pilot for The Kings of the World, a 25-minute comedy-crime series about three friends caught in the chaotic limbo of adulthood. In the pilot episode, they accidentally kill the boyfriend of one friend’s sister and have to discreetly remove the body from the house—all while celebrating one of their parents’ anniversary.
MUSIC VIDEOS
MUSIC VIDEOS
Ana is currently attached as writer and director to two films, plus the TV series The Kings of the World. She directed the pilot on June 2024, with the series waiting for further development. One of the feature films Ana is working on is Crisis of Admiration a comedy/drama/thriller set in Madrid and produced by Chile and Spain.
She recently completed an experimental musical film she directed and produced all through 2023, Sweet Juliet — a set of 16 music videos all connected by a story.
She is also part of the programs from Sundance Film Insitute (USA) Film Producing: How to Develop, Finance & Distribute Your Film and Directing Actors, taught by Dana Lustig (Jungle) and Tessa Blake (American Horror Story).
EDITORIAL STUFF
Since 2022, Ana has been the Creative Director for the online magazine CONCDECULTURA, focused on creating editorial content such as reviews, articles, interviews and meet-ups with professionals from the entertainment industry (Benicio del Toro, Diego Calva, María Pedraza, Greg Sestero, Dwayne Johnson, Éster Exposito), and attendance to exclusive movie screenings and premieres.
Ana’s tasks include team and content management, social media, branded content and contact with entertainment companies. Her exposure on social media has led her to collaborate with Netflix, Prime, MAX, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Diamond Films, etc.
