Mitali Jahagirdar

Mitali Jahagirdar is a WGA Award nominee for her writing on Disney+’s JUST BEYOND and adapted the YA novel TIGER’S CURSE for Netflix. Most recently, she was Story Editor for Netflix’s THE HENNA ARTIST. The proud daughter of Indian immigrants, Mitali spent her early years in Central Florida, then left home for New York City, where she studied Economics and Broadcast Journalism at NYU. When the global economy imploded, Mitali went on to serve as a litigation paralegal at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Mitali decided to opt for film school in lieu of law school, and in 2017 she received her MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. Since then her thriller and sci-fi/fantasy voice has won her the CAPE New Writers Fellowship, NBC Writers on the Verge Fellowship, Film Independent Screenwriting Lab, Sony Diverse Writers Fellowship, and recognition on the 2020 CAPE List. Mitali is based in Los Angeles.

How did you discover Western?

I met Joy Goodwin, the director of the program, through the Film Independent Lab when we were both workshopping our feature screenplays. So when Joy put out the call for writing instructors, I jumped at the chance to teach!

What are some of the highlights of your career?

Receiving a WGA Award nomination for writing an episode on Disney+’s JUST BEYOND that truly came from the heart, and working with each and every writer in that room.

What most excites you about your field?

There’s so much opportunity for diverse stories to be heard. Several years ago it would have been a pipe dream to think a show like Pose or Never Have I Ever could get made. Audiences are hungry for different stories, and the sea change is wonderful to witness!

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?

I’m a new faculty member so I haven’t yet visited — but I hear it’s amazing for residency!

Courses Taught

• CRWR 668: Television Drama & Situation Comedy (The “Spec”)