Q&A with NYFA Alum Rosa Falu, Head of Awards at the AfroAnimation Summit 3.0

NYFA MA Screenwriting Alum Rosa Falu works as Head of Awards at the AfroAnimation Summit 3.0, taking place on April 26th and 27th in Burbank, CA. 

Rosa spoke to NYFA about her journey as a screenwriter and shared details on how she got involved with the AfroAnimation Summit.

Rosa: I am an emerging multi-award winning screenwriter and has received international recognition at film festivals. Animation is my preferred platform for the genres of children's content and family-friendly viewership. I am a Puerto Rican Afro-Latina, first-generation born in the United States. Growing up as an Army-brat gave me a wealth of diverse experiences. My love for humanity, culture and extensive travel fuel my ever evolving multi-cultural way of life. As a result, it shows in my writing which reflects exceptional acceptance and inclusion. 

In addition to the degree and workshops from NYFA, I hold a BA in Theater and Communications from Temple University, Philadelphia,  PA. And after graduating from NYFA, I received an AA degree in Diversity and Inclusion from Waldorf University, in 2018. Currently,  I am an MFA candidate at Spalding University in Creative Writing. 

Continuous participation in educational programs and workshops delving further into world cultures and media & cultural anthropology give me evolving and fresh perspective in providing authenticity as a writer or consultant.

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

Rosa: I am currently on contract with Zincotools Animation out of Columbia on several projects and series. I have consulted on a documentary film, "Beyond Closed Doors" produced and directed by Alex Chadowski which is in post production and set to be released on PBS.

I contributed to a collaborative book produced by executives from Illumination Studios, "The Art of Change: In Support of Black Lives."

Some of my awards include: 

2023 Quarterfinalist - Page Turner Screenplay Competition - Feature 

2022 Quarterfinalist - Diverse Voices - Stowe Story Labs

2022 - Third Place Audience Choice - Filmocracy Scriptwriter Showdown Selectee

2021 StartW/8, Mentee

2021 Quarterfinalist, TSL Free Screenplay Contest

2021 Read Latinx Writers Initiative, Mentee

2019 Widescreen Film Festival Best Feature Screenplay Winner for, "Diamond and the Ruff" 

2019 Widescreen Film Festival Best Screenplay Nominee for "Yaretzi's Quest"

2019 Oaxaca Film Fest Best Global Screenplay Challenge Finalist and Legacy X Official Selection, "Yaretzi's Quest"

2019 Oaxaca Film Fest, Legacy X Member.

Official Selections/Finalist-

2018 Content 18 Fuel Tank Nominee, "Diamond in the Ruff"

2017 Oaxaca Film Fest- Finalist,  "Diamond and the Ruff."

NYFA: Tell us more about AfroAnimation Summit & how you got involved?

Rosa: AfroAnimation is an organization dedicated to bringing real world opportunity and valuable information globally to Black, Latinx, Women and other unrepresented communities in the field of animation through a yearly summit.

I was recruited by the founder of AfroAnimation Keith White, as a judge/jurist for their first short film competition due to my years of experience in global festivals such as: Diversity in Cannes Short Film and Webseries Showcase, the Crown Awards, and Slamdance. 

I was quickly promoted to the Head of Awards.

NYFA: What did you learn at NYFA that you applied directly to this project and others?

Rosa: I learned to structure stories, blend and bend genres, and to keep ahead of deadlines. 

NYFA congratulates Rosa on all her success!

To learn more about the AfroAnimation Summit 3.0 visit: www.afroanimation.com 

If you're interested in being a Volunteer at the summit and attending one of the days for FREE, sign up here by April 10th: AfroAnimation Summit Volunteer SignUp