With lived experience of various mental illnesses, Ella aims to raise awareness of mental health, using film and storytelling as ways of doing this, as well as speaking at panels and events, and being an ambassador for leading teenage mental health charity stem4.
Ella founded ‘Broken Flames Productions’ as a teenager, inspired by her personal struggles with depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. Drawing on her experiences, Ella’s mission is to reshape mental health representation in media. Her award-winning films, including 'Bibimbap for One' on grief, 'Why Wouldn’t I Be?' addressing male mental health, and 'Smudged Smile' for young audiences, have screened globally, sparking meaningful conversations and changing the narrative around mental health. Her advocacy promotes inclusivity, reduces stigma, and fosters understanding, creating impactful stories that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. Ella received the Diana Award for her social action work and was awarded the British Citizen Award Medal of Honour.
Recent events she has taken part in include a Mental Health Panel at the Oxford Union and the 'Film and Mental Health: Is Cinema Helping or Hurting?' Panel at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival.