Isla is interested in hidden communities and rites of passage connected to the natural environment. Her atmospheric films defy stereotypical understandings of those who have been excluded from society in the hopes of cultivating a culture of compassion.

Isla’s work has led her to be selected as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow 2024, with films at numerous international OSCAR / BAFTA-qualifying festivals, long-listed for a BIFA, broadcast on BBC4, Short of the Week, Vimeo Staff Picks, WaterBear and Minute Shorts.

Her filmmaking has been funded by BFI, DocSociety, Ffilm Cymru, Arts Council, BBC Arts, LUX Scotland, Screen Scotland and Statens Kunstfond. She is an alumni of BFI New Writers Lab, BFI Midlands Directors Lab, BBC New Creatives, LUX Now & Next, Reclaim the Frame’s Filmonomics and Directors UK Inspire. She is a mentor at Bristol Film School and the Emerging Voices Film Foundation, and is a continuing member of BAFTA Connect.

Isla is in development of her debut narrative feature NOT DROWNING supported by BFI and Ffilm Cymru. A second feature WHISPERER that began as a documentary supported by DocSociety has been selected for further development for Le Groupe Ouest’s, LIM: Less Is More (renowned European screenwriting programme), with Producers Lowri Roberts and actor Maisie Williams.