At London Film Academy, we take great pride in the achievements of our alumni, who often go on to shape their world of filmmaking with unique voices and diverse experiences.
One such success story is Giovanna, a former student of what was the Screenwriting Diploma and is now the MA in Screenwriting.
Her journey through LFA and beyond is not just inspiring, but also a source of reassurance for current students as they navigate the world of screenwriting. Giovanna's success is a testament to the support and guidance they can expect from LFA.
Discovering LFA: A Milestone in a Tumultuous Journey
For Giovanna, life threw many challenges, but her passion for writing was the constant in her journey. After several personal hardships, including losing her parents, Giovanna returned to her love for storytelling through screenwriting.
LFA became her academic home, reigniting her creative spark and offering her the tools to rebuild her career.
Despite being an experienced, mature student, Giovanna's time at LFA was transformative. It offered her the practical tools and mentorship needed to hone her craft.
Crafting Screenplays at LFA: More Than Just an Art, It’s a Craft
Giovanna speaks fondly of LFA's hands-on, craftsmanship-based teaching approach. The focus wasn't just on creativity but also on the practicalities of the screenwriting profession, which helped her shape a balanced, realistic approach to the art.
This emphasis on practicalities provided Giovanna with a solid foundation and a clear understanding of what to expect in the industry.
She credits her tutors with pushing her out of her comfort zone, teaching her to embrace the often-gruelling writing process, and encouraging her to view screenwriting not just as art but as a collaborative endeavour.
Advice for Aspiring Screenwriters: Write, Collaborate, and Keep Growing
Reflecting on her time at LFA, Giovanna offers valuable advice for current and future students pursuing a career in screenwriting.
She emphasises the importance of finding one's voice while remaining open to collaboration, a notion we continually champion here at LFA.
Giovanna also advises students to accept criticism but to remain their best judge, constantly refining how they communicate their ideas without compromising their vision.
Teaching and Empowering the Next Generation
Today, Giovanna balances her career as a screenwriter with her passion for teaching young people.
Her work in education, particularly with teenagers, is driven by her desire to give them the guidance she wished she had earlier in life.
Giovanna’s teaching style is unorthodox but effective. She believes in creating a shared journey of learning where empathy and creativity flourish.
Current Projects: The Cost of Happiness
Giovanna is working on an exciting new project titled 'The Cost of Happiness', a poetic autobiography co-written by her dear friend, Ante. The project, which tackles themes of resilience, queerness, and finding joy amidst adversity, is particularly close to her heart.
The project launches on October 3rd and is entirely non-profit, with proceeds going to mental health and LGBTQ+ support organisations. Giovanna’s deep belief in the power of storytelling to heal and uplift is evident in every aspect of this project, which she has curated alongside the author Ante.
Encouraging Current Students to Engage
We invite all current LFA students and alumni to support Giovanna and her curated project 'The Cost of Happiness'. It’s an inspiring testament to the human spirit's strength and creativity's transformative power.
Join Giovanna on her journey by attending the book launch on 3 October. You can learn more and register here.
We at LFA are proud of Giovanna’s accomplishments and encourage all students to stay connected, collaborate, and continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling, just as she has.