Isabela Zawistowska is a Mexican-American documentary filmmaker and cinematographer raised in Vancouver, BC. She crafts intimate visual stories where people and landscapes converge—grounded in adventure and environmental justice.

With a background in journalism and a B.S. in Public Policy from UNC Chapel Hill, Isabela blends analytical depth with poetic sensitivity. Her work often centers women, land stewards, and Indigenous knowledge keepers at the frontlines of ecological and cultural resilience.

She began her career on Netflix and HBO docuseries, later collaborating with producers of Chimp Crazy and Kiss the Ground. Her projects span documentary, narrative, and commercial work with brands like The North Face, REI, and Cotopaxi.

Her latest film, Companion of the Setting Sun, follows two women fighting to protect Xochimilco, the last remaining lake in Mexico City.

Isabela currently lives in Ojai, CA, where she enjoys nature, cooking with loved ones, and growing Aurelia Amber (@aureliaamber_), a Baltic amber jewelry brand she co-founded with her mom.

Awards & Recognition / Affiliations:

• Shortlisted, Vogue Women x Women Global Open Call

• Mountainfilm Grant Committee Recipient

• Fiscal Sponsorship: Film Independent