Kestrin Pantera is a multifaceted creative force, praised by the New York Times as a powerful writer and director. Her latest feature film, PRETTY PROBLEMS, has garnered widespread recognition, including the SXSW Audience Award, the Grand Jury Award for Best Feature at Sonoma International, and the Audience Award at Maui International. Additionally, she was honored with the prestigious title of Bay Area Filmmaker of the Year.
Her previous feature, MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPERS, made its world premiere at SXSW 2019 and was later released in 2020 through Gravitas Ventures. Critics have lauded it as a "wonderful, Big Chill-esque dramedy" with "big screen chemistry from the ground up," earning awards for Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Ensemble Performance, and Best Actress.
Kestrin's debut feature, LET'S RUIN IT WITH BABIES, was released theatrically and received widespread acclaim, including praise from the LA Times as "honest, convincing, and just plain adorable" and Marie Claire's "must see."
Prior to her successful career in film direction, Kestrin was a classically trained cellist-turned-rocker who toured with rock bands, sharing the stage with notable acts such as Weezer, Beck, and Brandi Carlile. Her original music has also been featured in various TV shows and award-winning films.
