Melina Valdez is a Uruguayan writer, director, and artist based in New York City. She’s inspired by the misunderstood, the indescribable, and the details of what is left unsaid.
Melina is currently in development for a feature film tentatively titled Saca Tu Lengua (Stick Out Your Tongue) which was featured in Gotham Week 2020, Sundance Producers Intensive in 2023, Tribeca Creators Market 2024 and Sundance Screenwriters Lab in 2025.
The proof of concept, Weapons and Their Names, had its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and has played in festivals around the world.
She is currently a recipient of the 2026 SFFILM Artist Development grant, developing Saca Tu Lengua alongside other screenplays.
Her work as a cinematographer includes feature films, music videos, a web series, and several short films. She was part of the AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women in 2018.
contact: mmelinavaldezz@gmail.com