Photo by Jeremy Brockman

My work searches for contradiction, humor, and grace.  I love laughing, especially with audiences who watch what my team and I have been cooking. 

I am a first generation Mexican American writer and director based in Los Angeles. My latest film “#1 BAD DAD” is in the festival circuit. We had our Premiere at Slamdance 2025, were nominated for Best Comedy and won Best VFX at Micheaux Film Festival 2025, won Best Narrative at Mírala Film Festival 2026, won Best Comedy Directing at LIFE 2026, were nominated at the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival 2026 . We’ve screened at over 25 festivals so far and are next slated to play 2026 The Reel Champions Shorts Fest, where we are also nominated for a Best Comedy award.

I have over 11 years experience working in documentary, branded, and narrative storytelling. Much of my storytelling is shaped by a lifelong awareness of how easily people are othered, and misunderstood. I am interested in stories that allow for contradiction, humor, grief, and grace. If you’re looking for a collaborator who leads with heart, then drop me a line. I’d love to help.

Some awards and honors I’ve received include winning Best Director, Best Comedy, Best Screenplay, Best Cast, and Best VFX/Animation from iWoman TV + New York Women in Film & Television. My film “Louise” premiered at NALIP’s Latino Media Fest 2019 and won Best Latinx Short at the Seattle Latino Film Festival. An AUDI PSA I wrote, directed, and produced, opened QUEEN & SLIM’s world premiere at 2019 AFI FEST. I was so thrilled when supporters like Laura Dern, Mati Diop and Snoop Dog shared the piece online. My short doc “Domestic Violence in Rural America” won the 2018 Communicator Award, Award of Distinction and 2018 W3 Silver Award for Webseries for Video Online.

I am a reader and interviewer for The American Film Institute Conservatory, Directing track, and reader for multiple Film Independent Programs. I also recently became a screener for Slamdance Film Festival Breakouts. I volunteer with nonprofits to teach literacy and storytelling to children and adults from under-resourced backgrounds.

Available for writing, directing, and producing assignments in film or production.   natalie@zavafilms.com