Kelly Sarri
Film Director / Producer / Creative Mentor
Los Angeles, CA
Q What do you do?
“I direct and produce narrative films and documentaries, with a focus on climate fiction, social issues, and stories that challenge perspectives and inspire change.”
As a creative consultant and mentor, I help filmmakers and artists develop their ideas, strengthen their storytelling, create compelling pitch decks, navigate the filmmaking process, and bring their projects to life.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started in Greece, studying Film Production at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, then packed my bags for Los Angeles to pursue my MFA at Loyola Marymount University. Somewhere between directing, producing, editing, endless pitch decks, and figuring out how to make films with impossible budgets, I founded Curly Apricot Productions.
Along the way, I made award-winning films, fell in love with climate fiction, and realized I love helping other creatives bring their wild ideas to life just as much as making my own. Turns out, filmmaking is equal parts storytelling, problem-solving, and convincing people that your crazy idea is actually brilliant.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I bring together filmmaking, mythology, psychology, and social justice to tell stories that entertain but also make people question the world around them. I'm equally comfortable developing a climate-fiction film, putting together exceptional pitch decks, or helping a creative turn their chaotic ideas into something tangible. I think outside the box, but I also know how to get things done.
Q What are you working on right now?
A little bit of everything (as every independent filmmaker will understand). I'm writing my first feature, a mythological climate-fiction story exploring our relationship with nature, while producing documentaries and developing new narrative projects. I'm also building Playtheon, a creative space where storytelling, mythology, cinema, and personal transformation meet. And somewhere in between, I'm helping other creatives develop their projects, pitch decks, and big ideas into something real.
Q What’s your style?
I'm drawn to bold, unconventional storytelling that blends mythology, magical realism, dark humor, and social commentary. I love stories that challenge the status quo without preaching, embrace moral complexity, and make us question what we've been taught to accept as normal. Think ancient myths meeting contemporary social issues, with a little absurdity thrown in.
My climate-fiction short "Heat Me" represents a lot of that vision, combining environmental themes with humor and an unconventional approach to storytelling. My first feature, currently in development, takes this further, exploring our relationship with nature through mythology, folklore, and the stories we tell ourselves about progress.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Directing, hands down! I love producing, mentoring, and helping other creatives bring their ideas to life, but directing is where all my obsessions with mythology, psychology, climate, and social justice come together. I'd love to spend more time creating bold, unconventional films that entertain, challenge perspectives, and maybe make the world a little less absurd (or at least help us laugh at the absurdity).
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
A creative assistant who can organize my million ideas, handle emails, scheduling, research, and all the little administrative tasks that somehow eat up an entire day. Basically, someone who can help me spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time making movies. Bonus points if they can read my mind!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How can we imagine better futures when we're so used to imagining the end of the world? I'd love to talk to experts in speculative fiction, mythology, ecology, and social change about how storytelling can help us imagine new ways of living, beyond the systems we've inherited. Less dystopia, more radical imagination!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking for directing and producing opportunities, especially in narrative films, documentaries, climate fiction, and projects that dare to imagine better futures. I'm also open to creative consulting, story development, pitch deck design, and mentoring emerging filmmakers. I love collaborating with people who have bold, unconventional ideas and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo. Bonus points if there's mythology, dark humor, or a little creative rebellion involved!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal collaborators are curious, imaginative people who aren't afraid to question the way things have always been done. People who care about what they're creating and why it matters, but also know how to have fun along the way. I love working with filmmakers, artists, and organizations that value experimentation, collaboration, and storytelling as a tool for change. Whether we're making a film, developing a pitch, or brainstorming a seemingly impossible idea, I want us to challenge each other, learn something new, and create something neither of us could have imagined alone.
Q: What is your rate?
Creative consulting and mentorship start at $75/hour. Pitch deck development starts at $555, depending on the scope and complexity. Directing, producing, and story development are quoted per project, as every production has its own needs (and surprises!). I'm always open to discussing flexible rates for independent filmmakers, emerging artists, nonprofits, and projects with a strong social or environmental mission. Great ideas shouldn't die because of a tiny budget!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Shoot me an email at sarrikelly@gmail.com with a little about yourself, your project or wild idea, what kind of support you're looking for, your timeline, and your approximate budget (if you have one). No need for a formal pitch, I love a good creative conversation!
This member profile was originally published in October 2026.