NYFA Filmmaking Alum Sayla U'ilani Whalen receives the Women In Media Developing Filmmaker Fellowship 2024

NYFA Filmmaking Alum Sayla U'ilani Whalen is one of the two chosen fellows for the Women In Media Developing Filmmaker Fellowship for this year. Sayla spoke to us about her career and the application process for the fellowship. 

NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?

S.W: My name is Sayla U'ilani Whalen and I am originally from the Bay Area in California. I wanted to pursue a career in filmmaking with the ability to train in all the departments on set which NYFA offers. I admired the holistic approach to the filmmaking curriculum.

NYFA Alumni Network: What projects have you worked on since graduating? Have you won any awards or been showcased in any festivals or competitions?

S.W: Since graduating, I have been mostly working in creative development. I received a three month internship at a production company called "Sixth Sense Productions" in which I oversaw projects in every stage of development. 

NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about the Women In Media Developing Filmmaker Fellowship? How did you find out about it?

S.W: I found out about the company, Women in Media, in my first year at NYFA from my former professor, Leslie Bates. She recommended becoming a member and attending the events/workshops offered. I resonated with the company's mission statement of getting 50% of films crewing female and non-binary filmmakers. I saw they were offering a two-year fellowship within my desired career and decided to apply.

NYFA Alumni Network: What was the application process like? 

S.W: The application process required a resume as well as short answers to inquiries such as why I am interested in the fellowship, why I am interested in a career in the film industry, and what my favorite movie/tv show is. I really enjoyed filling out the application because it felt like they wanted to get to know me both on a professional and creative level. They reached out to me shortly following my submission to let me know I was one of the finalists for the fellowship and they wanted to see me for a virtual interview. Again, during the interview I felt very comfortable expressing my personal journey into filmmaking and my professional ambitions. It was probably my favorite interview I've ever had. 

NYFA Alumni Network: What was your reaction like when you found out you're one of the fellows this year? 

S.W: I was absolutely thrilled to learn I was selected for the fellowship! I was very honored to learn I was one of two selected for the two year fellowship and excited to have both a mentorship and internship within television writing/show-running. The Women in Media fellowship felt like the perfect fit to start my career by meeting talented women in the industry I can both learn from and work with. So far it has been all that and more!

NYFA Alumni Network: Are you currently working on any projects that you want us to know about? 

S.W: Currently, I am in development for a documentary following my uncle's band "The Waialae Brothers" which I will be shooting in their hometown in Oahu, HI. The documentary will highlight the heritage of my ohana who were born and raised in Nanakuli while also showcasing the lasting legacy of my uncle's band. Stay stunned for updates by following the instagram account: @waveland_entertainment

NYFA congradulates Sayla on all her success!