KATERINA MUNIS is a film writer, director, and XR specialist based in Los Angeles. She earned an MFA in Film & TV Production from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and received her bachelor's in Classics & the Ancient Near East. Prior to film, Katerina worked in medical aid in global conflict regions, profoundly shaping her perspectives and passion for authentic, fearless storytelling.

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Katerina's directorial debut Daedalus was sponsored by FOX Productions, XR Stages, and USC Scholarships. Daedalus was captured with XR, and Katerina was awarded the 2024 TELLY for "Best Director" in immersive filmmaking. Katerina received "Best Director" awards from the 2023 Beverly Hills Film Festival and the 2024 Los Angeles International Shorts, as well as myriad "Best Film" and department awards during its international festival circuit. Daedalus was featured in the 2024 AMPAV "Emerging Filmmaker Showcase" at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

 

Katerina is the 2024 ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellow. Her debut feature script BEASTS is a 2023 Academy Awards Nicholls semi-finalist, Sundance Labs finalist, Stowe Story Labs selection, and featured on Coverfly's REDLIST.  Katerina's sci-fi feature A Singular Girl is currently a 2025 Sundance Labs finalist.

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As Director of Productions at XR Stage, Katerina led extended-reality worlds for studio film and television, with collaborators including Lionsgate, Netflix, and HBO. Today, Katerina lectures on XR, AI, and Immersive Production. She is passionate about propelling the future of film while protecting humanity in the arts.

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Katerina tells stories at the nexus of art & science, driven by bold narratives that enthrall the mind & ignite the imagination. She often blends drama with magical realism, using surrealism to uncover truth in enchanting, gritty worlds being explored by complex and courageous underdogs.