Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sabrina Saleha. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sabrina, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I love every facet of storytelling and enjoy delving into various mediums to convey them. I’m constantly in a state of learning, whether it’s through taking a sewing class or absorbing filmmaker interviews that reveal their sources of their inspiration. I firmly believe that creativity begets more creativity. This doesn’t mean that I don’t experience creative blocks or periods of feeling uninspired, but I view those moments as cues to step back and rest.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a filmmaker and actress. This is a second act career for me. I initially worked in Corporate HR, so finding myself now more aligned with my true calling fills me with gratitude. I’m honored to be part of fellowships and labs that play a pivotal role in honing my artistic voice. I participated in the 2023 ImagineNative’s Screenwriting Features Lab, the 2023 Native American Media Alliance’s Animation Lab, and the 2022 LA Skinsfest Native American Media Alliance’s TV Writer’s Lab, sponsored by Netflix. I proudly hold an MFA in Screenwriting from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Currently, I’m in pre-production for a short film I wrote, marking my directorial debut. I’m deeply honored to have received support from various grants, including the Georgia Film Impact grant.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Each person’s journey is unique. Personally, what has had the most profound impact on my path is the sense of community. Film is a collaborative medium, and finding fellow creatives whom you trust, and with whom you can exchange script readings or assist in their productions, is invaluable. They become your pillars of support. Also, embracing my instincts and effectively managing my time to prioritize writing have also played pivotal roles.
For those aspiring to enter the film industry, I’d advise them to never lose sight of why they wanted to tell stories in the first place. This industry is fiercely competitive and highly subjective, so facing grant rejections or not receiving responses from potential collaborators can be disheartening. However, holding onto the initial motivation that brought you here is essential, as opportunities destined for you will eventually find their way.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
It’s important to emphasize that everyone’s journey is truly unique; no paths are the same. In my case, I thrive on curiosity and find excitement in perpetually being in a state of learning. Understanding my strengths while consistently exploring various aspects of production and new writing tools to better understand story structure, has been my guiding principle. I find a lot of joy in picking up new skills, and that’s why I’ve been on this path striving to be well-rounded in what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sabrinasaleha.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinasaleha/
