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ABOUT BENDECIDA FILMS

Bendecida Films is a prestige storytelling studio focused on intimacy. We develop and produce bold, character-driven films and series that challenge inherited ways for understanding sexuality, intimacy and power. Rooted in female subjectivity and shaped by a bicultural Latin American–U.S. perspective, our work combines emotional intimacy, authorship and cultural provocation for global audiences.Our second vessel, Bendecida Worlds, develops how auteur-led film and television can live beyond the screen. Working with Bendecida Films and select external creators and rights holders, we translate a project’s core creative thesis into bespoke experiences, recurring cultural programs, physical destinations and/or standalone ventures.

THE FOUNDERS

ANDREA CALAO

CEO & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Writer, Director and Actress from Bogotá-Colombia, working within Film/Video and Performance creations. Her research focuses on desire and Decolonization processes of feminized & racialized bodies within trans-media platforms.
Trained as actress and dancer at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana’s Performing Arts B.F.A; and as Writer-Director at New York University’s Film & TV B.F.A.
Within her Production Company, Bendecida XO, Andrea is currently developing several projects including her first erotic-surreal comedy Web Series “Hoe Diaries”; her first Feature Film "Dream Of A Dove Flying" and co-writing the Feature film “The Warehouse” alongside Sundance Award-Winner Writer-Director Alrick Brown.

Background:
Born & raised in Bogotá, Colombia
NYU Tisch School of the Arts, BFA in Film & TVCreative Career:
Writer - Director - Actor
Research on pleasure, decolonization & femininitiesAccolades:
Yugo BAFTA Student Awards 2024
Enderby Entertainment Fellowship 2024Screened works at festivals including:
International FF Glasgow, Austin FF, Evolution Mallorca
International FF

DEREK STRUM

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Background:
Emory University, BA in Economics
Columbia Business School, MBA in FinanceInvestment Career:
Morgan Stanley (2000-2003): Investment Banking
CD&R (2003-2025): Private Equity
Avalia Square Capital (2026-Present): InvestorExecutive Producer:
Run Amok: premiered at Sundance in Jan 2026
TEST: premiered at SXSW London in Jun 2026
The Problem with Poets: in post production