Meet Gabriella.
Gabriella Aren is a screenwriter, actress, and producer driving bold, resonant stories that connect across cultures and genres. Born in New York to Iraqi-Armenian and Italian immigrant parents, her multicultural upbringing fuels a voice rooted in heritage and authenticity.
She is the founder of Happy Ghost Studios, a production company she leads with her brother and creative partner, Nicholas Asad Aren. Together, they develop bold, genre-spanning films—dramas, comedies, and action features—that entertain while leaving a cultural mark. Their mission is to spotlight underrepresented voices, especially Middle Eastern stories, while reviving the magic of golden-era action comedies with a modern edge.
Gabriella trained at NYU Tisch School of the Arts (BFA Drama, Atlantic Acting School, Stonestreet Studios) and at NYU Stern School of Business, specializing in entertainment, media, and technology.
She is a proud member of NYWIFT, Women in Film Los Angeles, PANO: NYC Women Filmmakers, The Women’s Network, and YWCA USA, finding inspiration in building community and reshaping the industry’s future.
Through Happy Ghost Studios, Gabriella is committed to making cinema that inspires joy, reflection, and connection, with current projects in development that are both intimate and universal.
Explore Gabriella's Work
For reels, headshots, and more, visit the Media section. Stay tuned for upcoming projects and exciting announcements from Happy Ghost Studios.