Maren Emiko Elardo

Biography

Maren Emiko Elardo is a Japanese-Italian American filmmaker from San Jose, California. Graduating in under three years, she earned her BA in Film Production with an emphasis in editing and a minor in Photography & Video from California State University, Northridge. Her love for storytelling began with stop-motion Barbie films and skits created with her sisters, later evolving into a dedication to emotionally resonant and heartfelt narratives. In January 2023, her script Ikigai was selected for production through CSUN’s Cinema and Television Arts program, receiving the prestigious Golden Globe Foundation Fellowship. She made her directorial debut with Ikigai, inspired by her mother’s childhoo...