Filmmaker Ellen Ugelstad is an accomplished director and producer holding a BFA from The Academy of Arts University in San Francisco, California. She studied philosophy and anthropology at the University of Oslo, before she moved to California. Upon her return to Norway she founded the production company Twentyone Pictures in Oslo, Ugelstad is dedicated to pioneering artistic innovation, embracing hybrid expressions, and challenging traditional production structures.

Ugelstad's body of work consistently delves into the delicate equilibrium between sanity and insanity, explores power dynamics, and navigates various realms of reality. Notable among her projects is "Indian Summer," a compelling narrative that chronicles her younger brother's journey with schizophrenia. This impactful film received nominations for the International Young Talent Award at DOK Leipzig and the Nordic Dox Award at CPH:DOX. It also clinched two nominations at the Norwegian Emmy Awards.

Ugelstad's proficiency extends to the realm of short films, with her piece "The Meetingroom" earning the prestigious Best Screenplay award at the Norwegian Short Film Festival in 2017. Additionally, both "The Green Valley" and "The Wonders Beneath the Sea," two more of Ugelstad's short films, secured the coveted Golden Chair award at the Norwegian Short Film Festival, positioning them for consideration at the Oscars. Her film Making Sense Together was selected for The National Museum of Norwayas well as festivals around the country.

In her most recent endeavors, Ugelstad successfully wrapped up "The Recovery Channel" with international premiere at CPH:DOX, and unveiled two short films, "Echo, Bully, and Rhythm" and "Next of Kin”, the last to be released in fall 2024. In august 2024 she received a prominet Award for tje freedom of speech in Norway for her documentaries and fictionfilms from the last ten years dealing with the topic of mental health. She is currently working on her next feature DET GODES PROBLEM, a drama-comedy about the act of doing good.