Derek Efrain Villanueva

Derek Efrain Villanueva is a multifaceted American talent—an actor, writer, and producer—whose creative footprint spans film, web series, and television. A proud member of SAG & AFTRA, he first stepped into the spotlight in 2010 with the short film *Little Love*, which he co-wrote and starred in. This early project became a fixture on the international festival circuit, screening at prestigious LGBT events such as Frameline, Inside Out Toronto, Philadelphia QFest, Chicago’s Reeling Film Festival, and festivals in Miami, Vancouver, Long Beach, North Carolina, and Barcelona, among many others.

Building on that momentum, Villanueva created, produced, and wrote *Fabulous High*, a groundbreaking LGBT “dramedy” web series that explores the lives of a group of high school students navigating identity, friendship, and love. The series earned widespread acclaim for its authentic representation and sharp storytelling, further cementing his reputation as a dedicated advocate for queer narratives.

Beyond these standout projects, Villanueva continues to push boundaries as a writer and producer, weaving compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. His work reflects a deep commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in media, making him a notable figure in independent film and digital content creation.