Kayla Saunders, a Roanoke, VA native, is a passionate filmmaker with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. Beginning her creative journey as a playwright in high school, she quickly developed a love for storytelling that eventually led her to earn a B.A. in Digital Video and Cinema from the School of Media Arts & Design at James Madison University. Transitioning from the stage to the screen, Kayla has worked on a diverse range of projects—from short films to feature films, commercials, and documentaries—garnering numerous accolades, including Best American Film and Best Director at the Cannes Film Awards. Her work is driven by a commitment to amplifying the voices of those who can no longer speak for themselves, as well as advocating for underserved and underrepresented communities, using film as a powerful vehicle for social change. She also serves as an outlet for those who want to share their story, providing a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. Through her films, Kayla seeks to remind the world that storytelling is for everyone and that cinema has the power to spark transformation and inspire action.