Ayla Spaans is a director and writer based between Barcelona and Amsterdam. Her work explores the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adulthood, blending playful storytelling with deeper emotional layers. With a background in fashion, film, and advertising, her visual style is colorful, poetic, and often balances reality with imagination. She won the 3LAB competition with her children’s series Rakhi & Peppe (NPO), which was nominated for Best Dutch Children’s Series at Cinekid.

Currently, Ayla is developing a new series for VIDEOLAND, set to shoot in 2026 and premiere in 2027. She is also writing a children’s feature film titled BIJ ONS THUIS, and her debut feature IT’S BLUE AND TASTES LIKE SALT, which was selected in 2023 for the GREENLIT talent development program. In 2024, her short LAST DANCE was nominated for the YOUNG DIRECTOR AWARD.