ABOUT

Isabela is a director, cinematographer, and documentary filmmaker whose work centers human stories rooted in place, ecology, and lived experience. Her films explore the relationships between people and the landscapes they inhabit, often focusing on themes of environmental resilience, culture, and care for the natural world.

Experienced in remote and outdoor environments, Isabela leads small, nimble crews and builds trust-based relationships with the communities she films. She works closely with her film participants over time, prioritizing listening and presence as essential parts of the storytelling process. Whether directing her own projects or collaborating as a cinematographer, her approach is grounded in intimacy, respect, and a strong visual language shaped by time spent in the field.

Isabela’s work spans independent documentary, docu-series, and branded storytelling for mission-aligned partners. She has contributed to projects both large and small, including docu-series collaborations with the producers of HBO Max’s Chimp Crazy and Kiss the Ground, as well as independently produced and branded short films developed for festivals, editorial platforms, and nonprofit organizations.

Based in Ojai, California and working internationally, Isabela creates films that are visually evocative and deeply felt—stories designed to foster connection and inspire care for the people and places they portray.

EXPERTISE

  • Isabela Zawistowska is a director known for intimate, character-driven nonfiction rooted in place, ecology, and lived experience. Her work spans independent documentary and impact-driven branded storytelling, often centering Indigenous knowledge, women’s leadership, and environmental resilience. Grounded in trust-based relationships, her directing approach prioritizes listening, presence, and emotional clarity.

  • As a producer, Isabela shepherds projects from development through delivery across varied budgets and scopes. She has produced independent documentaries and short films in domestic and international settings, emphasizing ethical storytelling, small, nimble crews, and impact-oriented distribution.

  • As a cinematographer, Isabela brings a documentary-grounded visual language shaped by time in the field. Her camera work is observational and intimate, supporting story first. She has shot projects ranging from independent films to large-scale productions, with additional cinematography credits for Netflix and HBO.

  • As a creative director, Isabela leads concept-driven campaigns from ideation through execution across film, commercial, and digital platforms. She develops narrative frameworks and visual systems that translate brand strategy into compelling, human-centered storytelling. Her approach balances creative ambition with production pragmatism, delivering cohesive campaigns that resonate across formats and audiences.

CLIENTS

Isabela works with nonprofit organizations, mission-aligned brands, and independent producers to create impact-driven documentary and branded storytelling. Projects scale thoughtfully, with story and community always at the center.

Cotopaxi

NRS

Farmhand Foundation

American Rivers

Semilla Project

Run Rabbit

Let’s Work Together