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Wishing Upon a Star: Isla's Journey from Story Xperiential Storyreel to Animated Feature
- Story Xperiential
- Aug 29
- 4 min read
Hi, my name is Isla Vela. I'm a storyteller, writer, and a screenwriter based in Spain, and I'm the creator of Flora, a heartfelt animated film project that began to take shape five years ago, when I was pregnant with my second daughter. This project comes from a very deep place in my heart, and it's beautiful to feel connected through stories, because stories bring us together.
A year later, I had the chance to participate in a Story Xperiential, which helped me distill the essence of the feature film into a storyreel, which gave the project its first form and visibility and was also honored in the best storyreel category in the September 2023 Exhibition. It was a huge turning point for Flora and for me as an artist, so I'm truly grateful for this opportunity.
The story was born from a deep personal need to talk about motherhood, inner strength, the search for identity and self-empowerment, and creativity. It tells the story of a woman in 1901, Flora Call Disney, Walt Disney's mother, who must find her place, reaffirm who she is, and rise above the limitations of her time.
Since then, the journey has continued to grow. We are currently developing a short film with a remote team of over thirty passionate artists and collaborators from different parts of the world, working together via Discord and we are now in the concept, art and story phase. It's been incredible to feel this kind of creative synergy across countries and disciplines.
I'm also really excited that Utah University Center for Technology and Digital Art in Madrid will be supporting Flora. This September, we will be presenting the project during a special pitch and greeting day, where their animation students will help bring Flora to life. It's an amazing opportunity to grow with young talent.
In addition, Flora has recently been selected for the Script Pool at the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia, and I’ve also been chosen for CIMA IMPULSA, a 9-month support program for women filmmakers in Spain and Latin America. This program is helping me develop the pitch,
pitch bible, and dossier with support from top industry professionals.
As for my role, I'm the writer, creator, and also director of the short film. I'm deeply involved in every part of the project from shaping the story and characters to building the tone, the visual world, and the overall creative and production strategy. It's a project born from my heart, and I am committed to nurturing it every step of the way.
When it comes to funding, we are actively exploring opportunities through networking at festivals, seeking co-financing partners and collaborations with studios or production companies that resonate with Flora's story.
Animayo Animation Festival May 2025 in Gran Canaria
We're showcasing Flora at festivals like Animayo Animation Festival, Premios Quirino, Annecy, Mundo Digitales, Weird Market, and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival - PÖFF. These events are opening a lot of doors and we are also considering crowdfunding as a possible next step.
So many people have helped me along the way. I feel truly grateful. People like Jorge Fonte, Disney historian in Spain and Portugal, Joe Mulligan, former Disney animator, and wonderful professionals. I’ve met at festivals who work at major studios. And of course, Elyse Klaidman and the whole Story Xperiential team, who always believed in me and in Flora. I also want to thank Pietro Schito, from Write for Animation, who continues to mentor me with great insight and care.
Within our team, I'd love to mention Ruth Alonso, our production coordinator, and Elena Gras, our illustrator and our director. They have worked with me through this journey and across all these festivals. And of course, my family and friends who can't wait to see Flora on screen, they are a big part of the reason this dream is moving forward.
What I have learned so far from this process is that it's crucial to stay true to yourself. So many people will give you advice, and it's important to listen, but it's just as important to filter those voices without losing the essence of your story, without looking away from what led you to create it in the first place.
In a Story Xperiential, they call it your WHAT IF, that unique spark that makes your film truly yours. That's what will make your film unique and true, and allow it to reach people's hearts.
If I can give advice to anyone trying to make their story into a film; it's join professional associations like WIA, MIA, or SIMA (especially if you are a woman, because joining supportive communities can truly help you push your project forward), apply to programs, contests, and open calls, attend film festivals (not just to show your work, but to build a network and keep learning), and, above all, work on your project every day with love and persistence, staying connected to your vision and the spark that made you want to tell that story, your inner motivation.
The key is your passion. Just find your inspiration. It's what will keep you going through the hard days and give meaning to every small step forward.
If you'd like to follow Flora's (and Isla's) journey, see the links below. We would love to share this beautiful adventure with you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareflorafilm
Storyreel for Flora on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BuK1qvOzTw
Behance Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/islavela Interested in the associations Isla mentioned? WIA – Women in Animation: https://womeninanimation.org
MIA – Mujeres en la Industria de la Animación (España): https://mujeresanimacion.org
CIMA – Asociación de Mujeres Cineastas y de Medios Audiovisuales (España): https://cimamujerescineastas.es
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