Kestrin Pantera is a writer/director the New York Times called “a force.” Her latest film, PRETTY PROBLEMS, won the SXSW Audience Award, Sonoma International Grand Jury Prize, and Maui Film Festival Audience Award. She was awarded Bay Area Filmmaker of the Year for 2022. PRETTY PROBLEMS sold to IFC Films and released in 30 cities nationwide.
DEADLINE called PRETTY PROBLEMS, “Laugh out loud comedy,” “A party you want to go to, to live vicariously, laugh a lot, and then be glad to go home to your own life” and, “A tremendous amount of fun.” See the trailer, below.
Her prior feature, MOTHER’S LITTLE HELPERS World Premiered at SXSW 2019 and released in 2020 with Gravitas Ventures. Lauded as a “wonderful, Big Chill-esque dramedy,” with “big screen chemistry from the ground up,” awards include Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Ensemble Performance and Best Actress.
Her first feature, LET’S RUIN IT WITH BABIES, was released theatrically and hailed by the LA Times as, “honest, convincing, and just plain adorable” and Marie Claire’s “must see.”
Before directing, Kestrin was a classically trained cellist-turned-rocker who toured in rock bands. She’s appeared onstage alongside Weezer, Beck and Brandi Carlile and her original music has been featured in TV shows and award winning films.
For recreation, she plays electric cello and sings with a "Middle Aged Dad Jam Band" comprised of David Wain, Ken Marino and a revolving group of musicians, including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Kathryn Hahn and Paul Rudd- though she is technically not a middle-aged-dad.
