Marcela Ribadeneira (Quito, 1982) is a writer, journalist, film critic, and visual artist, renowned for her profound exploration of themes like mortality, bio-experimentation, and the normalization of terror. Educated in film directing at the Scuola Internazionale di Cinema e Televisione in Rome, her artistic endeavors span across various mediums. Ribadeneira’s notable literary work, “Golems,” reflects her unique blend of literary and cinematic insights. She is the co-founder of the publisher La Linea Negra with her husband, Eduardo Varas. Her stories and journalistic articles have been published in magazine such as: Gatopardo Ecuador, Ronda (Iberia), SoHo, Mundo Diners, Siente (Tame), In and Vamos (Latam).
Early Life and Educational Background
Marcela Ribadeneira was born in 1982 in Quito, Ecuador. From an early age, she was immersed in a culture rich in arts and literature, which played a significant role in shaping her future career. Ribadeneira pursued her higher education at the Scuola Internazionale di Cinema e Televisione (NUCT) in Rome, Italy, where she specialized in Film Directing. This education laid the foundation for her future work in film criticism and visual arts.
Literary Career and Themes
Ribadeneira is widely acclaimed for her literary works that explore complex themes such as mortality, bio-experimentation, the normalization of terror, and metafiction. Her writing style is noted for its depth and innovative narrative techniques. Her most notable work, “Golems” (2018), is a collection of short stories that combine her literary prowess with her cinematic knowledge, delving into the realms of existential dread and body modification.
Journalism and Film Criticism
Apart from her literary career, Ribadeneira has made significant contributions to journalism and film criticism. She has written for international publications like The Guardian and various esteemed Ecuadorian magazines. Her insights in film criticism are deeply valued for their depth and understanding of the cinematic language, showcasing her versatility as a writer and critic.
Visual Artistry
Ribadeneira’s talent extends beyond writing and journalism; she is also recognized for her work in visual arts. Her artistic endeavors often intertwine with her literary themes, creating a unique amalgamation of visual and textual storytelling. This aspect of her work underscores her multifaceted artistic capabilities and contributes to her reputation as a well-rounded artist.
Editorial Endeavors and La Linea Negra
A significant part of Ribadeneira’s career is her role as a co-founder of the publishing house La Linea Negra, established alongside her husband, Eduardo Varas. This venture reflects her dedication to enriching the literary landscape and promoting diverse voices. Her editorial work, particularly in compiling various anthologies, has been influential in shaping contemporary literary discourse.
Personal Development and Recognition
Following a brief hiatus from writing for personal reasons, Marcela Ribadeneira resumed her literary pursuits, resulting in the creation of “Las islas.” This story was a notable part of her acclaimed book “Golems,” showcasing her triumphant return to the literary scene. Her work has garnered praise from literary figures like Óscar Vela, who commended her for her vivid imagery, allegorical depth, and the sophisticated blend of horror in her writing.
Contributions to Digital Literature and Workshops
Beyond traditional mediums, Ribadeneira is actively involved in digital literature projects, such as “Cuentos para regalar,” showcasing her adaptability and innovation. She also runs “El ojo,” a film criticism workshop, demonstrating her commitment to educating and inspiring new talents in the realm of film criticism and analysis.
Works
Stories
- Matrioskas (Cadáver exquisito, 2014)
- Golems (El Conejo, 2018)
- Héctor (Illustrated by Natalia Monard, published by Doble Rostro)
E-books by Marcela Ribadeneira:
- Borrador final (Suburbano)
- Si el grito pudiera leerse, diría algo así (Doble Rostro)
- Especímenes
Marcela Ribadeneira’s stories have been included in the following anthologies
- Ecuador Cuenta (Del Centro editores, 2014)
- GPS (Sed de Belleza, 2014)
- La invención de la realidad, antología de crónica contemporánea (La Caracola editores, 2014)
- Ciudades visibles: 21 crónicas latinoamericanas (Editorial RM y FNPI, 2016)
- El otro portal (La barra espaciadora / Doble rostro, 2017)
- Señorita Satán. Nuevas narradoras ecuatorianas (El Conejo, 2017)
- Organismos. Relatos sobre otredad, biopolítica y materia extraordinaria (Hal 9000 Editor, 2018)