NYWIFT Blog

By Ana Juanola

Welcome to NYWIFT, Isabella Medina Sarria!

Isabella Medina Sarria is a New York–based film producer originally from Colombia, known for developing and producing internationally-recognized projects. Her award-winning short films include Delusion, which won at the Berlin Indie Film Festival and earned recognition at the LA Indie Film Festival and New York Shorts International Film Festival.

She has expanded into feature films, working on Up in the Hills (starring Dylan Walsh and Paris Berelc), Tox (starring Margaret Colin), and Higher Love (starring Dennis Haysbert and Joe Pantoliano), which wrapped production in August 2025.

Her work is driven by a strong creative vision, championing well-represented female characters and immigrant stories.

NYWIFT Member Isabella Medina Sarria

Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

I’m a film producer passionate about telling stories that center immigrant experiences, complex women, and underrepresented communities. I’m drawn to projects that not only entertain, but also create space for voices that are often overlooked.

My goal is to help bring meaningful, emotionally resonant stories to the screen that reflect the diversity and depth of the world we live in.

What brought you to NYWIFT?

NYWIFT felt like the dream place, a community where women are empowered to speak, lead, and support one another within the industry.

Being part of an organization that actively uplifts female voices and fosters collaboration has been incredibly meaningful to my growth, both personally and professionally.

Isabella Medina Sarria with actress Paris Berelc

What is a lesson you learned the hard way in your career that you wish you’d known earlier?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that making mistakes and failing is often the foundation of your biggest breakthroughs. Early on, I viewed mistakes as failures, but over time I’ve realized they are essential to growth. Every challenge I’ve faced has ultimately led me to stronger opportunities and a deeper understanding of my craft.

Isabella Medina Sarria on set

You recently worked on the feature drama Higher Love. What drew you to that story?

Higher Love is a deeply moving story about devotion, resilience, and faith. It follows a man in his 70s who becomes his wife’s full-time caregiver after she suffers a stroke, and how an unexpected friendship challenges his understanding of love, loyalty, and community.

I was drawn to its emotional depth and humanity. It’s a reminder of how precious time is, and how powerful faith and connection can be in the face of life’s most difficult moments.

As a producer, what do you look for first when deciding whether to say yes to a project?

The story always comes first. I look for projects that have a strong emotional core and a clear point of view. It’s important to me that the themes align with my values and that I can genuinely contribute to bringing the vision to life. If I feel a deep connection to the story and its potential impact, that’s when I know it’s worth pursuing.

Can you share a moment from your career so far that reaffirmed why you chose this path?

I had a defining moment while screening my short film Delusion in Los Angeles. I was nervous, unsure if anyone would even show up, but about 30 people came. After the screening, someone approached me and shared how much the film moved them and how much they admired the work behind it.

That project had been especially challenging. I had to completely reshoot it due to a hard drive failure. Seeing it resonate with an audience after everything it took to complete reminded me exactly why I do this. Creating something that connects with people on a deeper level is an indescribable feeling.

Looking ahead, what kind of stories or collaborations are you most excited to explore next?

I’m currently collaborating with director Mira Atwah on two exciting projects. One follows a young Asian American mother in her early 20s navigating a dangerous situation in pursuit of a better life for herself and her daughter. The other explores the unexpected connection between two women who discover they’ve been betrayed by the same partner, leading them on a journey of revenge, healing, and ultimately love.

I’m excited to explore new genres, challenge myself creatively, and continue working with bold filmmakers who are not afraid to tell the stories they want to tell. 

Connect with Isabella on Linkedin and on Instagram at @isabellamsarria. 

(All images courtesy of  Isabella Medina Sarria)