Manuela Martelli, a talented Chilean actress and director, made her mark in the film industry at a remarkably young age of 18. Without prior studies in theater, she was chosen to star in the film B-Happy, directed by Gonzalo Justiniano. The film received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying her position as the revelation of Chilean cinema and captivating both national and international critics.
Her outstanding performance at the Toronto Film Festival caught the attention of industry professionals, and she went on to win the Coral Award for Best Actress at the Havana Film Festival and the Best Actress Award at the Washington Latin American Film Festival.
Manuela's next project was Machuca, directed by Andrés Wood, which showcased her impressive range as an actress. Her portrayal of her character earned her the award for Best Actress at the Viña del Mar Festival and the Altazor Prize, bestowed by the Chilean actors' guild.
Her third film, Como Un Avión Estrellado, marked her first collaboration with an Argentine director, Ezequiel Acuña. Despite having a promising start to her career, Manuela chose to complete her art baccalaureate studies at the Catholic University of Chile before pursuing a theatrical acting career at the same institution.
In 2010, Manuela received a Fullbright Scholarship and Scholarships Chile, which enabled her to study film in the United States. This marked a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey, paving the way for her future endeavors in the film industry.
