MichelleKaraivanov
Writer/ Director
Michelle Karaivanov is an award-winning British-Bulgarian writer and director born in South Africa. At the age of four, she moved with her family to England, where she was raised, deeply influenced by both her British upbringing and Bulgarian heritage. Her films explore themes of identity, womanhood, coming of age and the complexities of living between cultures. Her creative influences include contemporary female filmmakers such as Rose Glass, Celine Song, and Chloé Zhao. Alongside developing her own projects, she runs a YouTube channel called Tea Break Film Reviews and works as a production coordinator at Actors Studio, based at Pinewood Studios, where she continues to hone her directing skills. She is currently developing her first feature film.
Films
Short Films
PRINCESS
Elena realises that she doesn't want children and struggles to make her partner Zo understand this sudden change of heart.
live, love, learn
Tired of waiting for her life to start, Chloe decides to travel the world, but convincing her mother won't be easy.
Spaghetti
Malaika is getting married and struggles to conform to the idyllic image of a bride as imposed by her mother and Kenyan heritage.
Ember
A young woman’s mother is in hospital in Ireland and the next plane isn't until the morning. She spends a sleepless night roaming London, using the city as her stress relief.
Job Type: Permanent
Love, presented as a physical character, struggles to help a heartbroken woman accept that she still loves her ex. He starts trying to find someone to replace him.
Mike & Delilah
Mike & Delilah get to know each other, fall in love and move in together. An unexpected pregnancy occurs and Delilah is unsure how best to break the news to Mike.
Reviews
Tea Break Film Reviews
Top 10 Films of 2025
My top 10 films from 2025 including domcoms and 90s crime capers. What was your favourite film of the year?
Rental Family
Utilises a fascinating premise to explore human nature and our innate need for connection.
The Death of Netflix
Predictions about the future of streaming; conglomerates, subscriptions and innovation.
Satire in The Menu
Analysing how satire is used to explore cancel culture, the restaurant industry, #metoo and more.
Science VS Cinema
Delving into the science behind the multiverse to judge how plausible the cinematic versions are.
Food is Character
Analysing how Brad Pitt uses his characters' eating habits to better convey personality.
Quotes
Lines
"We’re all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"
The Doctor, The Big Bang (2010)
"You told me not to think!"
Rooster, Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
"Just once I want my life to be like an 80’s movie."
Olive, Easy A (2010)
"You dream in a language I can't understand."
Arthur, Past Lives (2023)