Kristen is a director, writer, and producer based in Brooklyn, NY. Her debut short film “No Man’s Land” debuted at the Oscar Qualifying Palm Springs International ShortsFest in 2022 and was named “Staff Favorite Short” at the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival in San Francisco. The short film highlights her interest in female characters who are dynamic: driven, power-hungry, ugly and redeemable all at once. Prior to directing, Buckels worked as a producer to comedians such as Nick Kroll & John Mulaney, Hasan Minhaj, and Mike Birbiglia. She then pivoted into scripted content working as the on-set creative producer on HBOMax’s SEARCH PARTY for seven years. Currently, Buckels is a fellow of the Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program for the class of 2022, a finalist for the AFI DWW+ Program 2023 and has shadowed David Gordon Green on RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES for HBO. Buckels is also an accomplished performer. Her comedy duo - “most” was recently featured in the Comedy Central special, ILANA GLAZER PRESENTS: COMEDY ON EARTH as well as Comedy Central presents TIGHT FIVE. Having spent countless hours on set, Buckels intimately understands the language of set and how to most effectively get the creative that she needs all while fostering a collaborative and productive environment with cast and crew.