Alicia Scherson

Alicia Scherson (born 1974 in Santiago, Chile) is a Chilean film director, screenwriter, and producer whose work is celebrated for its inventive narrative structures and incisive social commentary. Born and raised in the capital city, she developed an early fascination with cinema, leading her to study filmmaking at the Escuela de Cine de Cuba, a program known for its emphasis on auteur theory and experimental techniques. In 1999 she earned a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, allowing her to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she refined her craft and broadened her cinematic perspective. Scherson’s debut feature, Play, premiered in 2005 and earned her the Best Director award at the Tribeca Film Festival, a distinction that positioned her as a rising talent on the international stage; the Times described the film as a “doozy of a showreel,” noting both its visual daring and the challenges of its emotional construction. Her sophomore effort, Tourists (2009), was selected for the Tiger Awards Competition, confirming her reputation for blending humor with critical insight into contemporary Chilean society. A notable collaboration with acclaimed writer Alejandro Zambra resulted in Vida de Familia (2017), co‑directed with Cristián Jiménez; the 80‑minute feature was showcased at Sundance, highlighting her ability to adapt literary material into compelling cinema. Beyond directing, Scherson has contributed as a writer on numerous projects, including the television mini‑series El Bosque de Karadima and the film Il Futuro, and she has taken on producing roles for titles such as Las Analfabetas and Verano. Her versatility extends to acting, editing, and even camera operation, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. Throughout her career, Scherson has remained committed to exploring themes of identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of modern life, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in 21st‑century Latin American cinema.