Melina Valdez is a Uruguayan writer, director, and artist based in New York City. Her work explores narratives that trace how identity, womanhood, and belonging take shape across changing landscapes. 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, the Sundance Producers Intensive in 2023, Tribeca Creators Marker 2024 and Sundance Screenwriters Lab in 2024.
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.
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