©Ariadne Fytopoulou

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. She is the Artistic Director of the children stage of Fournos Centre of Digital Arts in Athens, Greece.

​

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" participated in Reykjavik International Film Festival, talent lab. Her latest short film "Until You See Me" was partially funded by the Greek Government and it is now on post-production. Her Video Poem "Baby" was featured in "Daily Short Pick" and "10th International Video Poetry Festival 2022" in Athens. She is now developing her first series "Shut Up & Swim" with Script Compass.

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. The short film premiered in May 2022 in Athens, Greece.

​

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. This September her famous play "Apples, Cinamon & Sugar" will be released as a digital game for iphones and tables - a project Eleanna produced & directed.

​

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.