Manuel Villarreal is a gay first-generation Mexican-American writer, director, and actor in Los Angeles. He’s renowned for reimagining underrepresented stories through the lens of magical realism. Villarreal’s short film, La Bruja, recently won the Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today Audience Award at the Hola Mexico Film Festival. Prior to directing, Villarreal worked as an actor, starring in commercials, including Super Bowls ads for Carl’s Jr. and Kay Jewelers. With an MFA from the AFI Conservatory, his films have graced prestigious festivals like Newfilmmakers LA and Outfest Fusion. Currently, he’s developing his debut feature, La Mujer del Blanco, expanding his storytelling influence.