Isabel Coixet Castillo Catalan izəˈβɛl kuˈʃɛt born 9 April 1960 Sant Adrià del Besòs is a Spanish filmmaker She is one of the most prolific film directors of contemporary Spain having directed twelve featurelength films since the beginning of her film career in 1988 in addition to documentary films shorts and commercials Her films depart from the traditional national cinema of Spain and help to untangle films from their national context clearing the path for thinking about national film from different perspectives The recurring themes of emotions feelings and existential conflict coupled with her distinct visual style secure the multifaceted she directs writes produces shoots and acts filmmakers status as a Catalan auteur