Christina Wren Steps Into the Director’s Chair to Tell Stories That Feel Like Home

After years of writing, producing, and mentoring others, Christina Wren is stepping fully into her own vision as a director — bringing deeply personal, culturally rich stories to life. Centered on Lebanese women in the diaspora, her upcoming projects reflect both pride and urgency, offering audiences a more intimate and human portrayal of a community often misunderstood. With a clear creative voice shaped by decades in the industry and guidance from respected collaborators, Wren is entering this new chapter with intention and momentum. As she balances Cannes, production in Amsterdam, and a growing body of work, her mission remains clear: to create stories that resonate deeply, expand representation, and leave audiences feeling seen, moved, and connected.

Christina, after years of producing and writing, what inspired you to finally step into the director’s chair for your own narrative projects?
When I would share about my upcoming feature, Swishy, producers, executives and other filmmakers in my life all insisted: “This is your story, you have to direct it.” I recognized I have a clear vision of what I want Swishy to look and feel like, the energy of it, the personality, who the characters are. After two decades working in front of and behind the camera, it feels time for me to step into this role.

Both your short and feature focus on Lebanese women in the diaspora. What personal experiences or perspectives are you most excited to bring to these stories?
As a first-generation Lebanese gal, I’m excited to share glimpses of my family, my community, and it feels more urgent than ever to tell our stories. Growing up, I was always so proud to be Lebanese, saw all the love and generosity and passion in my family. It still shocks me when I hear disparaging things about my people or only see bombed-out images of Lebanon proliferating when it is such a stunning, incredible place. I am hungry to invite audiences into our beautiful world and envelop them in the love and realities of our homes and experiences.

You’ve mentored other women stepping into directing. How has leading the Women of Color Filmmakers Lab influenced your own approach as a first-time narrative director?
Running the WOCF lab meant I also learned from all the masters we brought in as instructors. I was so blessed that inspiring filmmakers I’d worked with over the years agreed to volunteer, sharing their time and insight. Artists like Larry Fong, Adam Stein, America Young, Carl Seaton – and a whole host of others – essentially became my master class instructors, too. I have also been inspired by the women in our labs who all showed up, committed to bringing their stories to life and did so beautifully.

With Cannes and then immediately directing in Amsterdam, this is a huge moment. How are you preparing for such a fast-paced and pivotal stretch?
Yeah, it’s a little wild! I’m directing Keeper of My Secrets, a short about a Lebanese woman stranded in Amsterdam, the day I get back from Cannes, and then will have a few days to edit before hopping on a plane to LA, DCP in hand, for an industry screening as part of an Emmy FYC campaign for an episode of 9-1-1 Nashville I guest-starred in. It’s definitely full on and my kids have been off school for a few weeks so schedules are tight, trying to also be really present for them! In some ways, that forces me to prioritize and just get shit done – it demands clarity when you have to make gut decisions and move on to the next thing on the list. And I’ve got an amazing community coming together to bring Keeper of My Secrets to life. The Emmy-nominated casting director, Erica Arvold is working with me, as well as an inspiring crew including composer Minna Choi and cinematographer Brian Rosso. And my husband is a kickass partner, cheerleader and father. He has been pivotal in encouraging me to take this on, despite the fullness of the season.

As you begin this new chapter, what kind of impact do you hope your work will have on representation and storytelling for your community?
I really hope audiences see these films and have their hearts burst wide open. Either in that so important way of seeing yourself and your community alive and reflected on screen or through the transformative cultural ripple effect of falling in love with people you didn’t previously think you knew much about and leaving the theater forever changed. I am always stunned at how emotional I get when I see Arab stories represented meaningfully. There’s an aching hole I don’t always realize is there. The first time I experienced it was seeing Suheir Hammad perform in Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. At a spiritual level, I felt alive and moved to tears, almost like my essence left my body and was soaring in the rafters of the theater. I’m that way now watching Nadine Labaki, Cherien Dabis, and Mo Amer’s work. I’m so grateful they are out here, beautifully telling their stories and I hope to be worthy of joining that chorus of voices.

Link:

• www.ChristinaWren.com