Meet IVANKA LAWRENCE

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful IVANKA LAWRENCE. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with IVANKA below.

IVANKA , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey shaped by various experiences and influences. One significant factor has been my education and training at the American Film Institute (AFI), where I had the opportunity to collaborate with talented peers and mentors. Their encouragement and constructive feedback played a crucial role in helping me recognize and develop my strengths as an artist.

Additionally, engaging in real-world projects, such as my thesis film “Jamila,” has been instrumental. Seeing my work recognized at prestigious film festivals has boosted my confidence and validated my abilities as a filmmaker.

Personal growth through facing challenges and learning from setbacks has also been pivotal. Each experience has taught me resilience and the importance of believing in my capabilities, even when facing uncertainties in the industry.

Overall, my journey in filmmaking and education has not only enhanced my technical skills but has also fostered a deep-rooted confidence in my creative voice and vision.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Graduating from the American Film Institute with a master’s degree in Editing has been a dream come true for me. Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team of women at AFI on my thesis project, “Jamila,” which has been met with great success. The film has been selected for prestigious film festivals including the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, Cine Gear Expo, Chicago Palestine Film Festival, WOW Middle East Film Fest, Diversity at Cannes Short Film Festival, and more to come.

Currently, I am actively involved in several short films and mini-TV series as an assistant editor and editor. My sights are set on Hollywood, and I am gearing up to contribute to the vibrant film industry in Los Angeles.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The moment I realized I wanted to be part of the entertainment industry, I began looking up to those who worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve their success. Throughout my time at the American Film Institute (AFI), my mentors, lecturers, and fellow students have been instrumental in helping me develop my voice as an artist. Participating in mixers and guest lecture events further fueled my inspiration by exposing me to the journeys of established professionals in the field.

One piece of advice that resonated with me came from a senior fellow who said, “Why fit in when you can stand out?” This insight helped me recognize my worth both as an individual and as an artist. Through collaboration, I learned the importance of appreciating feedback and confidently voicing my opinions, especially when discussing scenes that needed improvement. This skill has been invaluable in convincing directors and teams to see things from different perspectives.

Additionally, the qualities and values I have gained, such as patience, gratitude, and the mindset for continuous growth, have been pivotal. I believe in learning every single day, and this journey is never-ending. While I still make mistakes, each one is an opportunity to learn and improve. The more I learn, the better I understand my skills and myself as an artist.

I am particularly grateful to my main mentors who have supported me since I joined AFI: Robert Ivison, Barry Kolsky, Helena Hall, Chris Swartzy, Nancy Kirhoffer, Peggy Tachdjian, Varun Viswanath, Allan Arkush, and my editing classmates from the 2023-2024 cohort. Their guidance and encouragement have been crucial in shaping my path and success in the entertainment industry.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I have a list of talented individuals in mind that I would love to collaborate with, and I’m optimistic about the possibilities. One filmmaker who inspires me is Mike Flanagan. His approach to horror resonates deeply with me; he crafts stories that evoke emotions and make horror elements feel natural and compelling rather than just frightening. It’s about making us feel scared in a profound way.

Another filmmaker on my collaboration wishlist is Emma Seligman. Her film “Bottoms” stands out to me as a favorite for its powerful female-centric storytelling, blending action with emotional depth. She showcases women as strong in every sense—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Ryan Murphy is another visionary I admire greatly. Growing up with “American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story,” I’ve been fascinated by his ability to create immersive worlds filled with captivating horror adventures. I would love to explore his creative process and discuss his vision for storytelling.

If any of these filmmakers are reading and are interested in collaborating, I would be thrilled to connect.

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