About Eleanna
Eleanna Santorinaiou is a writer director who lives between London and Athens. She studied Philosophy & History of Science in the National & Kapodestrian University of Athens. In 2012 she continued her studies in London Film Academy.
Since 2014 Eleanna has worked as a freelance writer-director and editor. She has directed short films, promos and music videos. Her feature film "Praying Mantis" was in semi finals on Sundance Screenwriters Lab 2015 and her short film "No Reception" in the quarter finals on Screencraft 2018. Her feature film "Marabados" is participating in Reykjavik Film Festival, talent lab. Her short films have won awards.
In February 2020 she participated as 3rd AD and an assistant to Ms. Emma Stone for Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest project for the Greek National Opera.
In June 2020 she collaborated with Stegi Onassis Foundation & Theatrum Mundi's associate Fani Kostourou who is leading on Research, Design and Creative Development she created the project "Do You Hear Athens" a 24-hour audio piece compiled from 101 recordings made from balconies in different neighbourhoods of Athens.
In June 2021 Eleanna continues her work on this project by writing a radio play based on the soundscape they have created.
In her work – as a whole – she focuses on human relationships - the idea of family, the one we have and the one we make, childhood and loneliness. Through these “micro-histories” she wants to raise issues that go beyond borders, beyond the characters’ lives and are universal.
On the side of film Eleanna has been collaborating for 14 years with Theatre Fournos in Athens where she has written and directed 5 children plays that have been seen from more than 200K people in Athens and has directed for the main stage, "The Promise - My Poor Marat" by Alexei Arbuzof. This has given her a broader experience in storytelling. She is now in pre-production of her second play for the main stage.
Being Greek and living in London, she is proud to say that she combines both English & Greek elements in her work, a hybrid of both cultures.
Award of Merit
2013
BEST
New Director
2013
Semi-finalist
Sundance
Screenwriter's Lab
2015
Awards
Daily Short Pick - Film Shortage
Video Poem "Baby"
Covid - 19 Support Scheme - Greek Ministry of Arts
Short film "What's For Dinner", selected of financial support, 15th out of 1100 scripts.
Benton Park Film Festival 2019
Short film "Pub & Such", official selection.
Nukhu Fest 2018
Short film "Pub & Such", official selection.
Screencraft Film Fund Fall 2017
Short film script "Bad Reception", quarter finalists.
Sundance Screenwriter's Lab 2015
Feature script "Praying Mantis" which was considered for the International Entry and was selected to the final 20.
Best Shorts Competition 2013
Award of Merit for short film "Parson & Son"
London Greek Film Festival 2013
Best New Director award, for short film "Do you Remember when We Used to Go to the Sea?"
