Kaila Gutierrez, a talented Mexican-American writer and director hailing from the picturesque Coachella Valley, currently resides in Los Angeles. Her academic credentials include a Master of Fine Arts degree in film directing from the esteemed Chapman University. Her graduate thesis film, Touch, made a notable debut at the prestigious New York Latino Film Festival, subsequently garnering her a spot among the select five filmmakers chosen for the 2024 Latino Filmmakers Network Hub at the renowned Sundance.
Kaila's remarkable journey continued with her selection for season 2 of the Mitu x Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program, where she developed her short film, Nana Carmen. This captivating film premiered at the 2024 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and the Bentonville Film Festival, earning her the coveted Best Director award at the Mexican American Film and Television Awards.
As a rising star in the film industry, Kaila is proud to be a part of the 2025 Latino Film Institute Fellowship program, generously sponsored by the Netflix Creative Fund. Within this prestigious program, she penned and directed her latest short film, High Beam. Through her films, Kaila masterfully explores the complex and ever-evolving dynamics of personal relationships, skillfully navigating generational, cultural, and familial divides.
Her cinematic works serve as a testament to her unique perspective and artistic vision, offering audiences a glimpse into the intricacies of human connection and the beauty that arises from the intersections of diverse experiences.
