“I remember thinking when I set out to direct my movie that it was all about lenses and the shots you were going to get. Really, directing is about tapping into what makes us the most human, telling stories, emotions, and managing a group of empathetic people.”

American actress, director, and screenwriter

Marielle Stiles Heller is an American actress, director, and screenwriter. She is best known for her work in film and television, especially for directing The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and for appearing in The Queen's Gambit. Heller's work as a filmmaker has brought her attention for stories that balance humor, character, and emotional precision. As an actor, she has also appeared on screen, adding another dimension to a career that spans both performance and storytelling.