Kaayla Whachell is an Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers. She is also co-chair of the CSC’s Diversity Committee.

Kaayla’s first feature film, Portraits from a Fire, directed by Trevor Mack, won her “Best Cinematography” at the 2022 Leo Awards. Kaayla is known for her work on I’m Just Here for the Riot, an ESPN 30 for 30 directed by Kat Jayme and Asia Youngman. Kaayla recently co-wrote, co-directed, and served as cinematographer on her latest feature, Send the Rain, which will have its festival premiere in 2026.

As a woman of mixed descent (Okinawan, Red River Metis, Czech), Kaayla continues to ally BIPOC filmmakers by showcasing their stories. She is a member of the Metis Nation British Columbia and the Vancouver Okinawa-ken Yuaikai. She strives to produce a diverse film set for all people to thrive and create within.