Elena Vatamanu-Mărgineanu (b.2002, Chișinău) is a Moldovan filmmaker who believes in cinema as a powerful form of storytelling, one that should address important, sometimes painful or deeply personal stories. She sees film as a tool for change and believes that every film has a responsibility to use its voice.

In 2025, Elena received her BA in Cinematography and Post-Production at Warsaw Film School, Poland. During her studies, she was a scriptwriter, director, director of photography, editor and colorgrader for her three short author films. Elena's internationally awarded dramas: ”Reflections”, ”First Last Month”, and "To be or not to die" tackle topics such as death and grief, puberty and menstruation, loneliness and human connections.

Recently, she returned to her homeland to contribute to the local film industry, work with professionals, develop herself, while also studying relevant subjects for her future films.