Manuel Villarreal is a proud gay 1st generation Mexican-American writer and director based in Los Angeles. His short films, "WHAT THE WATER GAVE" and "I'M STILL HERE," were finalists at the NewFilmmakers LA Video Project and Outfest Fusion Film Festival, respectively. Prior to directing, Manuel worked as an actor and starred in various commercials, including Super Bowl ads for Carl’s Jr. and Kay Jewelers. He holds a BA in Screenwriting from California State University, Northridge, and an MFA in Directing from the AFI Conservatory. Using magical realism and the folklore of his heritage, he hopes to challenge stereotypes associated with Latinos across the U.S.