FILM DIRECTOR
Originally from Madrid, Anabel Estrella is a self-taught film director, writer and creator. 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 plan to spend the rest of my life turning caffeine into stories that make people feel something. If I can move someone—make them smile, cry, or yell “same”—then I’m happy”.
WRITER & DIRECTOR
Anabel Estrella is a 23-year-old filmmaker who tells stories with heart, curiosity, and a deep love for cinema. Her work blends genres like comedy, drama, thriller, musical, and coming-of-age, often exploring questions of identity, belonging, and what it means to grow up in a complex world.
In 2022, she was invited by the association W STARTUP C to direct What’s Your Dream, a short film about women entrepreneurs that was later presented in Málaga by film festival director Juan Antonio Vigar.
With more than 10 short films, 19 music videos, and 40+ festival selections, Ana’s films stand out not just for how they look, but for how they feel — layered, honest, and full of life. Inspired equally by pop culture and classic cinema, she brings care and detail to every frame.
Short Films
Short Films
Two Awards, 2025.
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.
Descending, 2024.
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.
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.
What’s Your Dream 2023.
The journey of a little girl through its ups and downs, wondering if having a dream is worth it.
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 directed 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
TELOPUTODIJE, 2022
A CIEGAS, 2021
PRENDE EL BLON, 2023
CUÉNTAME SOBRE TI, 2022
BONITA DECEPCIÓN, 2023
TE HE VUELTO A VER, 2023
MG+QD, 2024
DRAGONES MATÉ X TI, 2023
AÚN RECUERDO 2024
MOJITO, 2021
TU NÚMERO EN EL PHONE, 2023
TÓXICO, 2024
NO ME HACES BIEN, 2024
NO MIRES ARRIBA, 2023
MORIR X AMOR, 2024
MIÉNTEME COMO SABES, 2023
Y SI…?, 2023
Ana is currently attached as director to the TV series The Kings of the World. She directed the pilot on June 2024, with the series waiting for further development. Ana is also developing her feature films DESCENDING, WAFFLE HOUSE and HELLO WORLD with various production companies (TBA).
She completed an experimental musical film she directed and produced all through 2021-2023, 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.
