Isabela Zawistowska is a Mexican-American Director and Cinematographer focused on documentary storytelling. She is passionate about uplifting communities and cultures in the outdoors, exploring the intersection of environmentalism and social justice as well as exploring one’s identity and connection to land and place.
Isabela’s multi-cultural background and identity has given her the ability to foster trusting relationships with her film participants to reveal authentic and nuanced stories. Through her verite approach to filmmaking, she is able to fully immerse herself in different worlds and approach every story with shared empathy and understanding.
She’s directed, shot and produced documentaries, branded-content and television series for clients including Netflix, HBO, SIGMA America, Sonos, The North Face and Cotopaxi and for non-profits including the Honnold Foundation, CalTrout, and The Semilla Project.
Isabela began her career filming rock climbers in the Eastern Sierra Mountains before landing a full-time role as a Camera Assistant and Camera Operator on NETFLIX’S TIGER KING 2 and two other wildlife-related docuseries set to release on a major streaming platform.
Since becoming freelance in 2024, she’s shot, directed, and self-produced an environmental short film, DON’T DOUBT THE TROUT, funded by the Cotopaxi Outside Perspectives film grant and selected to premiere at the 5Point 17th Annual Flagship Festival in Carbondale, CO and Mountains of Color in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada (with a few years living in Mexico), Isabela eventually immigrated to the U.S. where she graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Public Policy and a minor in Social and Economic Justice.
Her goals are to continue to make impactful, character-driven films in partnership with like-minded individuals, brands, and organisations who are making a difference in the world across the outdoor community and social and environmental movements.
She is currently open for camera work and directing opportunities in documentary, narrative, and commercial.