Jaya receives the Springbaord Award for Film gifted by Jamie and Ann Selkirk – Mentored by 2017 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Jemaine Clement 

Jaya is a filmmaker whose work embraces the weird, magical, and bizarre aspects of life. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, she grew up in Whakatū, after moving from Seattle at age nine. 

Her self-funded web series PSUSY debuted at the New Orleans Film Festival, with its second season winning Best Web Series at the Los Angeles Film Festival. In 2022, she directed the documentary series Point of View for RNZ and was selected for DEGANZ’s Emerging Women Filmmakers Incubator and Script to Screen’s Series Bootcamp in 2023. 

Jaya approaches filmmaking with unwavering curiosity about human behaviour and an artistic vision that proves even the most batshit ideas can carry profound meaning. Jaya's focus is on episodic storytelling.

Panel statement: “It is rare to encounter filmic work that successfully blends graphic imagery, humour, and social commentary. However, Jaya has impressed the panel with her diverse and innovative approach to visual storytelling. Jaya's determination to push creative boundaries while maintaining both depth and relevance is truly commendable. Jaya has already demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to her craft, earning international recognition along the way. The panel hopes this award will inspire Jaya to embrace bold artistic choices and explore new facets of filmmaking.”