Influential Woman · Writer Director

Anna Koukouli

Writer Director, Own

Austin, TX

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Studied in England Member Women in Film Los Angeles Member Women in Film New York Member Women in Film Austin Member Austin Film Society

Her Story

About Anna

I transitioned from advertising into writing and filmmaking in 2016 after working as a high-ranked director for global advertising agencies. Born and raised in Greece, I studied in England and worked in Germany before moving to the U.S. in 2016. I've lived in Los Angeles, New York, and now Austin, drawing inspiration from these different cultures and geographical locations. I write mainly female-led stories because I experienced very male-dominated environments and felt the need to tell stories about the truths that women experience, giving a holistic view on how women are being portrayed in film. My first short film was all about women at the workplace and all of the discrimination and career pressure they feel. I have shot 4 shorts, with two currently in post-production. I used to have a script consulting business in Los Angeles, helping people bring their stories to life through the very specific craft of screenplay writing. I write and direct, and I make a point of hiring women DPs because I've seen from experience that the constellation of crews becomes very male-dominated even when projects claim to be female-led. I'm a member of Women in Film in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin, where I'm very active. I'm also a member of the Austin Film Society and am working to build relationships with producers in Texas to source funding for my first feature film.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Anna

01What do you attribute your success to?

I think one of the things I learned in the corporate world that sounds true also in the indie filmmaking world is, first of all, you do the work. You have to do the work with a great work ethic, and let the work first speak for you. And then, when you feel the environment is a little bit shaky when it comes to discrimination or you feel the vibes that somebody is a little bit more traditional or sexist or mansplaining, I am trying to stand firm on the actual task at hand and insist that I will be heard. One of the things that I have noticed is when there's male-dominated meetings, people will speak over you, and I'm not having that. People will try to mansplain you, and I will always comment on that. I'm trying to make a point of it - I don't think it's rude, I think it's more of an educational counter action to what is happening to us, to educate the environment. We are here, and we have a place at the table, and that's how we will do business if you want to work with us.

02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I think it's very important to tell stories that tell the truth about women and portray us as whole people, not as the glossified TV environment has portrayed us for years. I want to show that women are not just allowed to be frustrated with male-dominated situations - I want to show that. I think it's only fair that we are being portrayed as whole people. I make a point of hiring women DPs because I think representation in film is not what everybody says it is - when things come to production, I have seen from experience that the constellation of crews becomes very male-dominated. I try to make a point of working with women. I love working with women. Having a platform like Influential Women showcasing my personal brand and bridging and reaching out to other women that are in this industry, or beyond this industry, is very important to me, so that I feel like I have allies in you, and you have a valued person in me.

Keep Exploring