Biography: Melarissa Sjarief is an Indonesian writer and aspiring director who pursued her master’s in Screenwriting at New York Film Academy, Los Angeles as a Fulbright scholar. She believes directing is her vehicle to creatively contribute to opening conversations of important issues such as sexual assaults and women empowerment for a more inclusive society. Previously, Mela worked as a writer at a TV station, online media and a production company in Indonesia. She is now a freelance writer working on short movies, TV and web series, and commercials. Currently, she's in development for a TV series about sex education and an independent drama suspense feature film.