We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Danna recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is LUCE NELLA FORESTA, “Light in the Forest” (LUCE). LUCE was born from my love for storytelling and language, an interest that started long before I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.

In undergrad at Fairfield University, one of my favorite courses was a small, intimate class where we explored fairy tales in their original languages—Italian, French, and German. The class was fascinating because it revealed how cultural nuances shaped the same stories differently. I’ve always loved reading, and I often return to books at different points in my life to see how my perspective shifts. Quite like film, it’s like holding a mirror up to yourself and the times you’re living in.

Years later, those fairy tales resurfaced in my mind as I wove together themes and imagery to create LUCE. The story blends elements from multiple tales, shaped by my experiences and filtered through a darker, more atmospheric lens. What’s amazing is how this project encapsulates so much of my journey. It feels like everything came full circle.

The spark for LUCE happened when one of my closest friends from undergrad, Nicholas DiLullo, an incredible cinematographer and the creative vision behind the camera on this film, told me he wanted to collaborate on something before I left for the American Film Institute (AFI). I wrote the first version of LUCE, which was ambitious and elaborate, but through the process—and with the help of a beautiful, dedicated team—we refined it into something much more focused and evocative.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how life has unfolded and led me to filmmaking. My first real taste of creating films happened at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, where I studied fine arts and fell in love with the Italian language. A simple class assignment—making a tiramisu video for my Italian class—ignited my curiosity about storytelling through film. That passion carried me to university, where I double-majored in Film and Italian, lived in Rome for a year to study film at La Sapienza Università di Roma and led me to meet people who would become lifelong collaborators—like friends from yoga who proofed my Italian scripts. My time in Rome shaped not only my understanding of film as an art form but also my approach to collaboration and storytelling.

LUCE represents all of this—the serendipity of life, the power of collaboration, and my deep love for stories that transcend borders and languages. It’s meaningful because it reflects my approach to filmmaking: personal, collaborative, and rooted in a passion for storytelling that invites people to look deeper. For me, making movies is all about relationship and connection, with the work and the people. I hope that resonates with future collaborators who share the same love for stories.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Elizabeth Danna, though most people know me as “Ella”. I’m a film director and producer with a passion for storytelling that’s rooted in my love for literature, language, and art. My journey into filmmaking has been a story of unexpected beginnings, serendipitous connections, and a commitment to creative exploration.

Today, I focus on creating films that explore human connection, identity, and the interplay between light and dark—both visually and thematically. I specialize in directing and producing narrative films, particularly in the fantasy, thriller, and horror genres. I’m drawn to stories that challenge the audience—whether in structure, genre, or perspective—and invite introspection. Film should encourage viewers to see the world, and perhaps themselves, in a new light.

Filmmaking it’s a collective art that thrives on the perspectives of every individual involved. My background in art, language, and theater deeply informs my approach, but what I’m most proud of is the sense of community and creativity I’ve been able to cultivate on every project. For me, filmmaking is about the journey—assembling a passionate team, overcoming challenges together, and witnessing an idea transform along the way.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

“Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, has been a blueprint for me. The idea of creating a culture that encourages feedback without fear has transformed how I build and lead my teams.

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield is another favorite. It’s a guide to overcoming resistance and self-doubt.

Ryan Holiday’s “The Obstacle Is the Way” has taught me to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Its principles of stoicism have been invaluable in helping me stay grounded in what I can control and adaptable to what I cannot.

“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron was recommended to me by my talented filmmaker friend, Grant I. Worden, at a time when I truly needed it. The book has had a lasting impact, and it continues to serve as a reminder of how vital play and creative exploration are in the artistic process.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Discovering podcasts (The Skinny Confidential, All This and the Oscars, Awards Chatter, Dear Gabby, Little Gold Men, Move with Heart, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, The Business, the list goes on…) earlier would have been beneficial to my journey– I am a huge podcast listener! Additionally, diving deeper into reading about storytelling techniques, creative leadership, and production management would have accelerated my understanding of the business side of filmmaking, an area I’m focused on at the AFI. These resources have been instrumental in shaping how I approach my work, helping me balance the artistry and the business of filmmaking more effectively. I am currently reading “How Successful People Think” by John C. Maxwell and “Managing Oneself” by Peter F. Drunker.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willowrosestudios.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willow_rose_studios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillowRStudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethdanna/