Blackout

Director Biography

AO likes her coffee dark and her stories darker. A first-generation Hispanic American who channels her experiences as a Latina LGBTQ woman into powerful visual narratives, she specializes in finding light in the shadows of human experience.

Her directorial debut “Starlit” proves the power of her distinctive vision. This female-driven coming-of-age story has captured eight awards, including Best Director at the Hudson River International Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the Philadelphia Independent Film Awards. The film’s impact reached beyond borders, earning recognition of Social and Cultural Interest from the Government of San Juan, Argentina.

When she’s not behind the camera crafting intimate character studies, Andrea travels the globe as a media producer for an international organization, documenting stories of international aid, human rights, and climate justice. Her expertise lies at the intersection of politics and cinema, where she transforms complex global issues into compelling visual narratives that demand attention and inspire action.

It’s no accident that Andrea found her way to both filmmaking and peace-building. She still remembers the moment a single film inspired her to work for a UN mission, understanding viscerally how cinema can bridge divides and spark change. Now, whether she’s filming in conflict zones or crafting narrative features, her mission remains the same: to reach into the darkness and pull out stories that connect us all.