Isabela Costa is a filmmaker / director born in Rio de Janeiro. Her filmmaking journey is deeply rooted in her experiences as an outsider and queer individual growing up in a Catholic school in Rio de Janeiro. Reflecting on her early years, Isabela shares, “I would spend entire days at small art theaters in my hometown. Those screening rooms not only made me the cinephile I am but also introduced me to my first mentors. I formed long-lasting friendships and maintained a healthier mind through these experiences.”
Scholarship, Success with Four Short Films at Brooklyn, Atlanta, Lausanne, ARFF Berlin, and Aesthetica Film Festivals
Isabela initially left the Catholic school to pursue Journalism in Brazil, aiming to address community issues through honest and investigative writing. However, she soon realized that true societal transformation stems from art. This epiphany brought her back to her first passion—filmmaking. She moved to California and earned a Film/Video MFA from the California Institute of the Arts, where she was awarded the prestigious Lillian Disney Scholarship. During her three years at CalArts, Isabela Costa completed four short films that were screened at various festivals, including the Brooklyn Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Lausanne Underground Film & Music Festival, ARFF Berlin // International Awards, and Aesthetica Film Festival.
Artistic Practice and Style
Isabela’s work spans digital, 16mm, 8mm, and 35mm stills, exploring the expectations and anxieties of younger generations. Her artistic practice oscillates between experimental and narrative styles. She explains, “Humor is the perfect tool to reach the insanity of real problems, making it a natural fit for experimental work.” Isabela remains open to different styles, genres, and formats in art, currently working on a narrative script and finishing a documentary. Writing about cinema and music keeps her connected to artistic practices worldwide.
Current Projects
Ana & Oto
Isabela is in the final stages of completing “Ana & Oto,” a short film shot entirely in Rio de Janeiro. The film follows two friends who are almost codependent, wandering around the city, alienated and afraid of boredom. This project exemplifies Isabela’s ability to capture the raw emotions and complexities of human relationships.
Somewhere Else
Another significant project is “Somewhere Else,” a documentary about female artists living in Los Angeles. Isabela describes the film: “They share their thoughts on politics, family, fear, and dreams. Their routine and artistic practices are part of the storyline. The film invites the audience into their comforting sisterhood.” This documentary offers a profound look into the lives of women from diverse cultural backgrounds, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.
Fashion Editorials and Photography
In addition to her filmmaking endeavors, Isabela produces fashion editorials for magazines like BELLO and Vulkan. She creates videos for events such as LA Fashion Week and Vegan Fashion Week and has developed an interest in 35mm photography within the fashion industry. Her work in this field showcases her versatility and ability to blend different artistic mediums.
Challenges and Self-Discovery
Reflecting on her journey, Isabela acknowledges the challenges she has faced. “Being an artist comes with self-discovery. Even if your work isn’t autobiographical, your identity is still present,” she says. Isabela credits her long-term relationship with her girlfriend, whom she has been with for nearly seven years, for helping her capture the honest essence of women in her films and photography. This understanding has distanced her from male-dominated sets and stories that do not align with her principles, leading her to work with smaller, more introspective teams.
Life in Los Angeles
Discussing her life in Los Angeles, Isabela finds the city’s challenges both rewarding and isolating. “The best and worst thing about Los Angeles is how challenging it is. The isolation forces you to create a community, unlike Rio de Janeiro, where you can easily connect with strangers,” she says. As a visual artist, Isabela acknowledges the difficulty of capturing Los Angeles in a frame but finds immense satisfaction in mastering it. “Outsiders never love Los Angeles immediately, but it grows on you. The isolation and empty spaces become mystical and poetic,” she concludes.
Social Media
- Website: Isabela Costa Film
- Instagram: @isa.chromatic