The Muralist (A short film by Ella Grace Helton)

"The Muralist" is the second short film written and directed by Ella Grace Helton.
This was made summer 2023 when Ella was 10. Just a kid and a camera, from concept to completion in one week. 6 hours of shooting time.

Ella looked out the window of the youth summer Filmmaker Workshop and saw the astronaut mural that became the basis for her script — which she wrote immediately afterward.

The film won awards at multiple film festivals, including the overall honor of “Independent Spirit Award” at the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. Other awards were in categories with students in high school and/or college:
- Brooklyn Sci-Fi Film Festival: Silver Medal Young Filmmaker (gold went to a high school student who worked on his film for 5 months)
- Brooklyn Sci-Fi Film Festival: People’s Choice Young Filmmaker
- Treasure Coast International Film Festival: 2nd place Secondary Student Film (even though Ella was elementary school)
- MIAMI Short FILM FESTIVAL: Honorable Mention
- Central Florida Cinefest: Official Selection

Grateful for the cast and support, for learning the ropes with film festivals. For the few festivals that support youth filmmakers (still not enough!) and especially the incredible team of the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival, who not only encourage, welcome and showcase the youngest filmmakers out there, but in their 25th silver anniversary event, screened Ella’s film as part of the Saturday night VIP program and surprised her with the honor of Independent Spirit Award.

The film is just over 5 minutes long, but go ahead and get some popcorn!

Ella recently completed her third film “The Towel” and has been entering into festivals. It will premiere Oct. 19, 2024 at her hometown 26th annual MIFF.

You can follow Ella's adventures as an actress, fine artist, musician and entrepreneur
- at her website: https://www.EllaGraceHelton.com
- on Instagram at   / adventuresofellagrace  
- on Facebook at   / adventuresofellagrace  
- on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ellagracehelton
- on IMDb at https://www.imdb.me/EllaGraceHelton