NYFA MFA Acting for Film Alum Ewelina Zawada on Playing Ula in Netflix's Polish Series "1670"

Ewelina Zawada (E.Z.): I’ve wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. It started when I watched the Academy Awards for the first time. I was fascinated by the powerful women on that stage—their stories, their confidence, and the way their voices were truly heard. Around the same time, I attended a poetry competition by students at my school, and something clicked. I remember thinking, “I want to do that. I want to move people the way they moved me.”Growing up in Poland, I initially saw myself as a theater actress. Theater has a very strong cultural significance there, similar to what it has in New York.

I was drawn to its immediacy, depth, and the unique connection between performers and the audience. However, studying at NYFA opened my eyes to the world of film and completely changed my perspective. I discovered that screen acting was not only another passion of mine—it became one of my greatest loves.

What has always attracted me to acting is the opportunity to live many lives instead of just one. Through different characters, I can explore experiences, emotions, and perspectives far beyond my own. Acting allows me to constantly learn, grow, and connect with people on a deeper level.

Today, what I love most is creating stories with others and for others. There is something incredibly special about the exchange of energy between artists and audiences. To me, acting is not only about being heard—it’s about understanding others, building connections, and reminding people that they are not alone in their experiences.
NYFA Alumni Network: What are some projects/roles you’re most proud of, and what made those experiences meaningful to you?

E.Z.: I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that challenged me in different ways, so I’d divide my answer into four categories.

In film, I’m most proud of playing Ula, a series regular in Netflix’s 1670. The show became an award-winning hit and has been embraced by audiences in Poland and internationally. Being part of a project that resonates with so many people has been incredibly rewarding.

In theatre, I’m especially proud of my role as Filomena in Decameron by Boccaccio at the National Dramatic Theatre in Białystok, Poland. The role required me to create several distinctive, idiosyncratic characters within one performance, which was both creatively demanding and deeply fulfilling.

In voice acting—more specifically dubbing—I’m proud to have been featured in Rick and Morty. It was an exciting experience and one that made me even more passionate about voice work. I feel like my biggest achievements in this field are still ahead of me.

Academically, one of my greatest honors has been becoming the first Polish actress based in Poland to receive a Fulbright Scholarship. That opportunity changed my life, brought me to the New York Film Academy, and ultimately opened the door to building an international career.

NYFA Alumni Network:  Congratulations on your role in the Netflix Polish series 1670 ! Can you tell us more about the series and your character?

E.Z.: Thank you! I don’t want to give too much away because I’d rather encourage everyone to watch it. 1670 is a satirical comedy set in a small Polish village in the year 1670. The story follows Jan Paweł, an ambitious nobleman who dreams of becoming the most famous Jan Paweł in history, despite constantly getting in his own way.

I play Ula, one of the peasants working on his estate. She’s witty, resourceful, and always seems to know what’s happening around the village. Ula has a sharp tongue, isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and surprises the audience each season with a completely new storyline. She’s one of those characters who can make you laugh while also revealing something true about the world she lives in.

One thing I love about acting is discovering what isn’t written on the page. Although it’s never explicitly stated in the script, I like to imagine that deep down Ula dreams of becoming a noblewoman herself. That personal backstory helps me understand her ambition, curiosity, and fearless attitude, and it makes playing her even more fun.

NYFA Alumni Network: What was the audition process like for 1670, and what do you remember most about that experience?

E.Z.: The audition process started with an invitation to a screen test, which was essentially a callback. I was asked to audition for two different characters, each with its own scene. At the same time, I was in rehearsals for Decameron, so I traveled to Warsaw for the audition.

I remember borrowing a long skirt from one of my fellow actresses before I left. I’ve always believed that what you wear influences how you move and inhabit a character, even in an audition. 

It immediately helped me get into the right mindset.When I prepare for an audition, I don’t focus only on the lines. I also work on the physical actions written into the scene, because I believe they reveal just as much about a character. Once I walked into the room, my first goal was simply to connect with the people there—the casting director, the two directors, and the producer. Then I performed my scenes and responded to the adjustments they gave me.

I also asked if I could use the table and chair that were in the room. My choices were bold but always grounded in the script. I played with the rhythm of the dialogue while keeping the performance truthful, and I remember hearing people laugh during the scene—which is always a great sign when you're auditioning for a comedy.Afterward, I traveled back home without any expectations. Then, later that same evening, I got the call that I had booked the role. It was one of those unforgettable moments that every actor dreams about.

NYFA Alumni Network:  What attracted you to this role, and how did you prepare to bring your character to life?

E.Z.: What attracted me most to Ula was the opportunity to become someone completely different from myself. I loved the idea of stepping into another century while telling a story that still feels surprisingly relevant today. 

Even though 1670 is set in the past, its humor and observations about people are very contemporary. The writing is so sharp and well-crafted that it almost invites you to play.My preparation always starts with the script. I analyze the text carefully, identify the character’s objectives, and look for personal substitutions that help me connect emotionally to the role. From there, I move into physical work. I like to put on clothes and shoes that feel right for the character because they immediately influence posture, movement, and energy. Once I discover how a character moves, I start exploring the rhythm of the dialogue and where I want to place emphasis in the text.

I also believe that actors should come to the set with strong, specific choices. Some of the ideas I developed during preparation made it into the final performance, while others didn't—and that's perfectly fine. I'd much rather bring bold, creative proposals and then be flexible enough to let them go if the directors have a different vision. For me, acting is always a collaboration, and the best performances come from trusting that creative process.NYFA Alumni Network: What is your approach when preparing for a new role?

E.Z.: My process always begins with reading the script—usually several times. I like to analyze it deeply before making any decisions about the character. I ask myself who this person is, what they want, what stands in their way, and what is happening beneath the words.

Interestingly, I rarely have to spend much time memorizing my lines. Through the process of analyzing the script and understanding the character's objectives, the dialogue naturally stays with me. It doesn't feel like memorization anymore—it feels like I'm thinking as the character.

From there, I build the role from the inside out. I connect to the character emotionally, then explore the physical aspects: movement, posture, rhythm, voice, and how costume or shoes might influence the way they exist in the world. By the time I step onto the set, I want to know the character so well that I can simply listen, react, and be fully present in the moment.NYFA Alumni Network:  What did you learn at NYFA that helped you on your career journey?

E.Z.: There are so many things. Of course, I learned a variety of acting techniques that I now use as different tools, depending on the role, the genre, and the story I’m telling. NYFA encouraged me to stay flexible and reminded me that there isn’t just one "right" way to approach a character.

What also made a huge difference was learning the business side of acting. Understanding how the industry works, how to audition, network, market yourself, and build a sustainable career is just as important as developing your craft. Those lessons have been incredibly valuable as I've navigated both the Polish and American entertainment industries.

Perhaps the most important thing NYFA gave me was confidence. It challenged me to take creative risks, trust my instincts, and believe that pursuing an international career wasn't just a dream—it was something I could actually achieve.
NYFA Alumni Network: What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are starting their own journey?

E.Z.: Work hard, be kind, and don't wait for opportunities—create them.I think it's important to remember that talent alone isn't enough. Be curious, keep learning, and never stop working on your craft. At the same time, treat people with respect. The entertainment industry is much smaller than it seems, and people will remember not only your work, but also how you made them feel.

Finally, don't wait for someone to give you permission to be an actor. Create your own projects, collaborate with other artists, write, produce, and keep telling stories. Every project you make is another chance to grow, connect with an audience, and show the world what you can do.NYFA Alumni Network: Are there any upcoming projects or announcements you would like to share?

E.Z.: Yes! I'm very excited that Season 3 of 1670 premieres on August 5, and I can't wait for audiences to see what Ula has been up to this season. She always manages to surprise people, and I think fans are going to have a lot of fun watching her journey continue.

There are also a few exciting projects on the horizon that I can't talk about just yet because of NDAs—but I'm hoping I'll be able to share more news soon.

And, of course, you never know what the future holds! I'd love to collaborate with fellow NYFA students and alumni. I'm always open to meeting creative people, exchanging ideas, and working on meaningful projects together. I truly believe some of the best opportunities come from the connections you make within the NYFA community.