Kira Powell is an Afro-Latina filmmaker of African American and Ecuadorian descent and the winner of the Directors Guild of America Jury Award for her AFI thesis film, Best Eyes. She holds an MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute, and her work explores identity, the immigrant experience, and self-discovery. Her award-winning solo show, Caught In The Mix, was recognized for its social impact and helped launch her path as a writer-director. Her psychological horror short, The Good Mother, premiered at Screamfest in 2023. Kira began her career as a SAG-AFTRA actor across film, theater, and commercials. She is currently expanding Best Eyes into her debut feature while developing original work across film and television.