Biography

Manuel Villarreal, also known as Alex Villarreal, is a first-generation Mexican-American writer, director, actor, and LGBTQI activist based in Los Angeles. He began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, receiving a nomination for the Irene Ryan Scholarship through the Kennedy Center Honors. Working in commercials, television, and independent films, he discovered his passion for writing and directing.

Villarreal holds a BA in Screenwriting from California State University, Northridge, and an MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI). His short films, "What the Water Gave" (2019) and "I'm Still Here" (2022), received critical acclaim and were featured in festivals like Newfilmmakers LA Video Project and Outfest Fusion Film Festival.

His latest work, the AFI thesis short film "La Bruja" (2023), earned him recognition as one of the select participants in the Tomorrow's Filmmakers Today program at the Hola Mexico Film Festival, winning the Best Short award. "La Bruja" will be showcased at the AFI Film Festival (2023). Villarreal's in pre-production for a new short film to be shot in spring 2024 and is developing his first feature film.

Villarreal's storytelling draws from magical realism and the folklore of his heritage, aiming to challenge stereotypes associated with the Latino/e/x and LGBTQ communities worldwide.
- IMDb mini biography by: Edward Cohen-Enriquez