Marcela Amaral holds a Ph.D. in Arts and Film from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and the University of Reading. The focus of her research is Cinematic Realism in Contemporary Cinema, including related issues about mise-en-scène and film narrative, and the concept of "Realism of Confrontation," developed during her doctoral research. As a professor in Film, she has taught in areas such as Film Directing, Editing and Post-Production, Special Effects, and more, at Federal Fluminense University (UFF); University Estacio de Sa (UNESA), Institute Infnet, and the Darcy Ribeiro School. She also holds a Master's degree in Film and Arts from the Federal Fluminense University and graduated from the same institution in Film and Mass Communication. She taught at this university for seven years, delivering classes on various subjects.

Marcela is also a Film and TV Director and Screenwriter. Among her works are the documentary "Feminine Enchantment, from the Umbanda grounds to the Stage”, the documentary series "Future Life," which questions the post-pandemic world, and "Old land's legacies," about the cultural and historical relations between Brazil and Portugal.

She also directed the animation "City Council’s ABC," about the Rio de Janeiro City Council, as well as the series "What’s it?", and the short film "How to Make a Short Film at UFF."

As an Assistant Director, she worked on soap operas, series, feature films, commercials, short films, and music videos. She has also worked as an Editor and Film Producer.