Life & Work with Jania Sanders of New York City, NY

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jania Sanders.

Hi Jania, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Jania Sanders. I’m a faith based indie filmmaker and videographer based in New York City. Thank you so much for speaking with me.
I remember the day my mother and I went to the library to see talented actors put on a little play. What I saw was very captivating. It was in that moment that I knew what I wanted to do – become a storyteller. I told my mom that I wanted to be like those actors. I wanted to put on cool costumes, play multiple characters, and create fun stories. Shortly after, I told her that I wanted to become a famous actress in film and television. I was a very big dreamer at four years old.

My mother paid attention to my deep love and curiosity for the arts. She placed me in a musical theatre class for children ages 3-5. Years later, I became a drama major at a performing arts middle school in NYC. There, I focused on scene study, monologue preparation, Shakespearean plays, and Greek mythology plays. On Saturdays, I took musical theatre classes. The summer before high school, my mother enrolled me in an editing class. This class made me more interested in the technical side of storytelling and filmmaking. A year later, I enrolled in a summer intensive program where I wrote a 10-page play in one week and collaborated with my peers to write, direct, film, and edit a short film the next week.

As a child, I was very reserved and quiet. One of the ways I wanted to voice my opinions or express my creativity was through writing. Since I became interested in filmmaking, I explored screenwriting a bit more. I took a leap of faith and switched my concentration from Theatre to Filmmaking and Moving Image Arts during freshman year at Sarah Lawrence College. The rigorous liberal arts education I received deepened my knowledge of filmmaking and pushed me out of my comfort zone into leadership and support roles for multiple short films. During my college experience, I utilized those skills for a producing internship at BronxNet TV and an editing internship with NBCUniversal/ Bravo TV. Outside of this, my final class projects and presentations consisted of numerous 15-20 page film analysis papers, pitch decks, original scripts, and short films. Shortly after college, I worked with the CBS Page program during the 2024 election season and then landed a post-grad internship with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I gained valuable hands-on experiences in multiple departments: Script, Talent, Research, House Band, and Production. It truly prepared me to work in the film industry and explore the realm of videography.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Everyone encounters obstacles, no matter what. I am very blessed that many things have worked on my behalf because of the Lord’s favor. One thing I had to learn was that receiving a ton of NOs is all part of the process. Rejection is God’s protection and redirection. If something doesn’t work out, that doesn’t necessarily make you very behind in life. Everyone has a different path, and where God has me may not be where He has someone else, and vice versa. It took a while to have this mindset. But slowly overcoming the fear of hearing “No” helped me become a risk-taker and develop a thicker skin. I am grateful that through every test, trial, and tribulation, it is an opportunity for me to be grateful. I can use certain experiences as lessons to prepare me for the future.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work on a wide range of projects: short films, commercials, campaigns, web series, television shows, and music videos. For my personal projects, I’m the Writer/Director, Cinematographer, and/or Editor. For other projects, I work as a 1st Assistant Director, Production Coordinator, and Assistant. Additionally, I use my filmmaking knowledge to provide videography services for clients.

My work stems from underrepresented narratives surrounding the Christian walk, the Black experience, and womanhood. I hope to continue to share stories that discuss serious topics in today’s society. One piece of work that reflects that is my award-winning short film, Always In My Head. This short film provides a commentary on technology, overthinking, mental health, relationships, doubt, and faith.

Many know that I’m a filmmaker and creative who is proud of my identity. What sets me apart is that I don’t compromise my morals and ethics to fit in with society. I don’t want to conform to it. I hold on tight to my beliefs. I’ve learned to stay steadfast and have faith be my foundation. My faith is a huge part of my life and identity.

What does success mean to you?
Success doesn’t come from how many films you’ve made. It doesn’t come from how many awards you’ve won, how many people you’ve pleased, and how talented you are. Success comes because of the grace and will of God. I am a firm believer in evangelizing and enhancing the kingdom of God with the tools He has given me. Charisma and connections aren’t the only things that take you far. You need to have character.

You truly become successful when you create and share a story that meets people where they are at. Everyone has a different perspective on life. We’re all on different walks. However, people appreciate it when you’re relatable. You can produce or create relatable stories through authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability. For instance, I drew from relatable personal experiences to create Always In My Head. Til this day, the message resonates with whoever watches it. It made them feel seen and heard. People want representation. The truth sets them free.

I can touch people’s lives without compromising any part of myself to satisfy society. It’s important to become a leader of intention and integrity. Not someone who only focuses on numbers and leads by force. I’m successful when I’m true to myself. I’m successful when I’m able to create something, and it genuinely touches at least ONE person. That person can hold on tight to the message in my film, and it can affect their lifestyle. I’m successful when I use the gifts and talents God gave me to please Him, give Him glory, and achieve my purpose in life. To God be the glory.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://janiasanders.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjaniasanders
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jania-sanders/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/janiasanders
• Other: https://janiasanders.substack.com/

Image Credits
Photo Creds:
1st & 7th photo: Stanley Ligon ( @_stanley_l )
Black + White Film Photos: Aliyah McClammy ( @aliyahanalogs )
4th photo: Sasha Salmon ( @hereyelens )