Julia Shlenskaya - Interview
Cinematography Artist. Born in 1993 in Moscow. Earned two degrees from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, specializing in Mathematics and Psychotherapy. Attended acting classes at Benefis in 2019. Studied film directing at MSNC under Dmitry Mamuliya from 2020 to 2021, and film editing under Sergey Ivanov at the same institution from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, studied trends, partnerships, and strategies in art and culture at the British Higher School of Design. Additionally, received further education in contemporary art at the British Higher School of Design from 2021 to 2022. Upgraded qualifications in product development and portfolio management at HSE from 2023 to 2024. Multiple-time participant and winner of international film festivals in Europe and the USA. Active participant in group exhibitions in Russia and abroad since 2021. Exhibited in notable Moscow galleries at Winzavod, Artplay, and Cube. Works globally and resides in Belgrade.
When did you decide you wanted to be a director?
I’ve always been drawn to the figure of the director — this mysterious, behind-the-scenes figure who creates cinematic magic. Cinema is an art form where every detail is crafted by human thought and imagination. One day, I asked myself: "If this magic fascinates me so much, why not try creating it myself?" That was the moment I decided I wanted to try being a director. And what’s most interesting is that I liked it — I felt like I was capable of doing it.
How did your family react?
My family was thrilled! They asked, "Show us, show us what you filmed!" The surprising thing was that they didn’t expect to see something like this coming from me. It was a pleasant surprise, and it sparked genuine admiration from them.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
Yes, my muse is life itself — its challenges, changes, and unpredictability. External circumstances, which constantly change my plans, give me the opportunity to evolve, adapt, and seek new forms of self-expression. This continuous interaction with the environment and people pushes me towards new ideas that I realize through art. Life is never static — every day, it throws challenges and offers solutions, and it’s in this dynamic process that I find inspiration. Often, difficulties are what act as a catalyst for creating something new. For example, when life forces me to change, grow, or make unexpected decisions, I feel that these moments are filled with energy that can be channeled into creativity. My muse isn’t some idealized image; it’s the real events and emotions that push me forward every day.
Who's your biggest fan?
Without a doubt, it’s my dad. For him, cinema is just as magical as it is for me. He’s very interested in how films are made, and he’s even curious about the mathematical algorithms that can be used in the process.
What brings you inspiration the most?
For me, inspiration comes from life itself. I deeply feel the events happening around me, and my reaction to them can be so intense that I simply have to express them. These emotions, experiences, and impressions become my fuel, and art is the language through which I can channel these feelings. It allows me to transform them into creative forms, whether through film, installations, or other artistic works.
Life, with all its changes and unexpected turns, is an endless source of inspiration. Every new experience, whether positive or negative, evokes in me the need for reflection and creative expression. I find inspiration in many things: in a random conversation, in nature, in the art of others. But what truly matters is how life pushes me toward self-discovery and makes me constantly reassess my responses to the world.
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
Without a doubt, I would love to work with Isabelle Huppert and Lars von Trier. For me, they are two incredibly profound individuals, and I believe it would be fascinating to engage with them on multiple levels — personally, creatively, philosophically, and psychologically. Isabelle Huppert is an actress with incredible strength and depth in her performances; her work always provokes thought and evokes significant emotions. Her approach to art truly inspires me, and I believe we could create something genuinely profound together. Lars von Trier, on the other hand, is a director who knows how to uncover the most complex and dark aspects of human nature. His films often evoke strong emotions and force us to rethink our perspectives on life. Working with him would be a real challenge, but also a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
Comparing films to books, in my opinion, is like comparing two different languages. Books immerse us in a world through text, where the primary tools are our imagination and ability to interpret. With each sentence we read, we create our own images, sounds, and even smells, diving into a unique world where every reader sees their own version.
Movies, on the other hand, work differently. They engage the viewer through visual and sound effects, and through editing, music, and acting, they create a cohesive, pre-designed perception of the world. It’s a form of art that captivates us with atmosphere, imagery, sound, and emotions conveyed on screen. So, it’s not about a movie being "better" than a book; they simply offer different experiences and affect our perception in different ways. And each of these forms is beautiful in its own way.
What's the movie that taught you the most?
For me, movies are a source of emotions and reflection. One of the films that had a big impact on me was King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017). There’s a moment when the main character shares his fears, and the sorceress replies: "Everyone can be afraid, but a king continues to act despite fear." This line really stuck with me because it reveals the essence that even the strongest and most successful people feel fear, but they keep moving forward. This simple realization — that fear doesn’t paralyze but rather tests your strength — has had a profound effect on me. In both life and creativity, fear is inevitable, but the key is to keep going despite it.
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
I think it’s like that joke about quitting smoking: "Quitting is easy, I’ve done it 10 times already." In reality, it’s never a complete quitting; it’s more like taking breaks, sometimes long ones. Everyone who’s deeply involved in their work, whether it’s creative or any other profession, faces moments of burnout or exhaustion. It’s an inevitable part of the journey. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a chance to reassess, re-evaluate, and return with renewed energy. I believe that in any life or career crisis, it’s important to remember that a pause is not the end. It can be the beginning of something new.
On set what excites you the most?
On set, I always feel an internal conflict between my roles as both first and second director. What worries me is the balance between creative vision and managing the process. I haven’t yet found a second director whom I can fully trust and be sure that our goals and approaches align. This creates certain challenges during filming. It’s important to feel confident that we understand each other intuitively and work as a unified whole. This is not only about the process of creating a film, but also about emotional comfort — knowing that the team is moving in the same direction.
And what scares you the most ?
Fear is a feeling that always comes from within. One of my biggest fears is not allowing myself to relax during the work process, and as a result, not enjoying the journey toward the goal. Sometimes, in the pursuit of results, you can lose sight of the path itself, forgetting that this process, despite all its difficulties and stress, should bring satisfaction. I’m afraid of losing that balance and not being able to find joy in the creative process.
What's your next project?
My next project is a shift from project management to product management. In the context of cinema, this means that I’m planning to step away from the role of second director and focus on the more creative side of the process. At the moment, I’m juggling both roles, which creates an internal conflict, as each one requires full engagement but in different directions. This tension is hard to maintain because the creative and managerial approaches often contradict each other. So I’ve decided to focus on the inspiring, creative side and fully immerse myself in it, freeing myself from the need to divide attention and energy between both roles.
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?
I’m deeply impressed by Isabelle Huppert. She’s an incredibly talented actress, and her roles are always profound and meaningful. Her choice of films and approach to her work earns my great respect.
An director is made of....
For me, being a director means bringing an idea to life through a combination of imagery, sound, and emotions. It’s not just about telling a story, but about creating the feeling that the viewer is experiencing it along with the characters — that the film becomes part of their inner world. A director, like a magician, creates an illusion that makes people think, feel, and reflect on what they’ve seen. It’s an art form that balances many roles without losing the main source of inspiration — the creative process itself.
Being a director also means seeing the world through the eyes of everyone on set: the actor, the cinematographer, the sound engineer, the editor. It’s a multi-layered job where the director, as both a leader and a juggler, not only manages the process but also accumulates all the ideas, transforming them into a cohesive, organic work.
For you Cinema is....
For me, cinema is magic. Sometimes it’s entertainment, sometimes it’s deep reflection, sometimes it’s a way to express feelings that you can’t put into words in everyday life. Cinema can provide answers to important questions, help you relax, experience strong emotions, or simply gather scattered thoughts into a cohesive picture. It’s a form of self-reflection that gives me the opportunity to better understand myself and the world around me. When you create a film, you live a small life, and as they say, you "close the gestalt." Cinema can be anything — it’s diverse, and that’s what makes it so great.
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
Absolutely! It’s not about color; it’s about creating an atmosphere. Films with Charlie Chaplin, for example, created cinema that touched millions of hearts, even without sound.
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
An Oscar is just a statue, a symbol of recognition in the world of cinema, but for me, awards have never been the ultimate goal. Even in school and university, when I won math competitions, I often skipped the award ceremonies. I was more interested in participating, exploring new topics, and immersing myself in the process, not in receiving medals or certificates. And now, as a director, my main focus is the work — the process of creating something new, the opportunity to express my ideas, emotions, and thoughts. An Oscar might be recognition, but what’s more important to me is the feeling that I’ve conveyed what I truly wanted to the audience and that it resonated with them.
Do you think you're gonna win it?
Honestly, I don’t care. But my agent is confident I will!
Ursula Echeverria - Interview
Ursula Echeverria is an animation filmmaker, BFA in Character Animation graduated in CalArts 2020. Since young age passionate about arts, leading her to dance in the National Ballet of Guatemala. She also has a BFA Graphic Design & Communications. With filmmaking credits in IMDb as Colorscript and Visual Development Artist in the animated movie “Xico’s Journey” from Anima Studios (Netflix). Animation artist on the Documental “Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History” as part of the series “American Experience” (Amazon Prime & PBS). Director of a few award winning short films, the most relevant: “BURBUJILLO” which has been part of more than 40 film festivals around the globe, winning up until now 30 awards, most of them as BEST ANIMATION.
When did you realise you wanted to be a Filmmaker?
I didn't specifically know I wanted to be a filmmaker, I just wanted to tell stories, I just didn't know what format yet. But since I was little, I loved cartoons and how they can touch your heart, make you laugh, take you into a magic world, make you wonder sometimes about a specific topic or way of thinking. That's what movies represent for me. Being able to talk about something that matters, sometimes is just better to show it. I started in animation with that motivation, learning how to talk to an audience without being there. Little by little, the more shorts I was involved with, the more I got passionate about this way of storytelling.
Do you remember your first time at the Movies?
Yes, I was about 8 years old, we went to watch Tarzan from Disney.
If you were to change country where would you like to work?
LA,California, Atlanta, or San Francisco
Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…
I truly love how "Tarzan" , I know again, still makes me cry when mama gorilla sings "You'll be in my heart" to little Tarzan, it's so heartwarming. Everybody who is a mom can definitely identify with that feeling. That is how good I want to be one day, I feel like one's heart is talking to another's heart. The other one would be Sherlock Holmes movies, which are so intriguing. I love how the character is portrayed and how the story evolves, as spectator it keeps you interested the whole time.
What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?
Is the best way to start in your career, get connections, get to know the world of filmmaking, test yourself in a secure environment, and meet your forever friends in the media. Literally is about enjoying your time as an artist without worrying too much about creating exceptional stuff, it's about trying yourself, exploring what you like in the whole process.
Have you ever hated your ambition?
Not really, what I don't like is how we as artists can be so emotionally susceptible. Your mood definitely affects your art, your creativity, your openness to try different approaches. As an artist not feeling creative sucks! But we all have been there. It's interesting how you must keep going even when you feel that way. That's when you hate it, not your craft itself.
Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?
A hahaha, maybe. We are storytellers who love good stories to be told, whenever we find one, definitely you can watch it 100 times, not get bored, always catch something different from it. We love to study film masters. The approach, the storytelling, the visuals, the music, the composition, there is so much to learn, you can never get bored.
Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?
A huge screen playing cartoons.
About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…
I want to direct my own Educational kids TV show, or be involved in a family oriented full length animated movie. My worst nightmare would be working in something I don't love, or believe in. Per say, I don't watch horror, or most adult cartoons like sexual or groteske looking art, I just don't like the themes. Definitely I'm not a good match for that type of content. If that would be something I must do to survive, I will definitely...might do it, although it would be for sure a nightmare to be in that position.
How important is it to have a good Cinematographic Culture?
The key to being a good artist, where you come from as an artist, where you get your ideas from, is how you get involved in the type of art you do. Being in constant learning is so important to keep you updated, to develop a good eye. To have an open mind, because you have seen enough to tell when something is good, or what is wrong with it, or if something is missing, how to make it work. How to tell the story you want to tell. Is about having a big library in your head, all the time with you.
What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
There is always room for improvement. No one knows everything. I would like to keep evolving in my writing skills, as director I just have written shorts. It's something totally different when you're doing a TV series, feature, short series, etc. As a filmmaker definitely, camera layout. It changes depending on the theme, the story, and what you're shooting at.
A big producer gives you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white Movie (if you have one)… what film do you choose?
That's a hard question, because to be a successful remake if there was a loved movie, the new one must exceed the old one. That is harder than taking a new idea. If I were to choose one, it would be "The Miracle Worker" which is about a woman who teaches a blind and deaf girl to communicate.
Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes it is normal to feel lost and discouraged… Who's the person that keeps you motivated?
My family. Filmmaking is about telling stories, as long as I keep feeling I can share something good with the world, motivates me to keep going. Also the real support, love and words from my family means the world to me.
Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script". Do you agree with him?
For sure, if there is not a good story, you have nothing. "Nothing" will make it interesting to make people watch it the whole hour length. Not the visuals, music, VFX, etc, all of that just supports, and enhances the story, not the other way around.
What’s your most ambitious project for the future?
I am writing an Emotional Development series for Pre-k age kids. It's been a journey just to organize my ideas, and make it work. Now, it starts to get in shape. I am excited about it.
Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy lets us be more creative?
it can be a motivation channel for sure, not the best one I would say. You can not stay healthy working in that statement. If you want to be a long lasting artist, you have to take care of yourself. Sometimes making art helps you move away from that feeling, learn from it and evolve. Whatever that helps your creativity grow is good, you just have to look for it.
What do you wish for yourself as a Filmmaker?
I want to feel proud of my work. I feel like being connected with our emotions and being able to make art is what keeps our humanity. Being able to express ourselves, to be heard and some listen to us. To reach someone's heart, and change something inside them in a positive way. I want to be that type of filmmaker that leaves something good in their audience. To leave a good footprint on whoever watches my stories.
Ankit Kadam - Interview
Ankit was born in New Delhi, India. He earned his bachelor's and master's in computer science but followed his passion for filmmaking. He is a self-taught filmmaker. He has produced, written, and directed three short films, Roaches (2016), Go Grow (2016), and The Treachery of Movies (2020). As a writer and director, his debut feature-length film was Liberation (2022). All of his films won several international film awards.
When did you decide you wanted to be a director/ screenplayer?
The urge to tell stories was always within me. As an introvert, I realized that a film or any other form of art is the most effective form of communication. You can express yourself without worrying about the world passing by. I filmed my very first amateur film at the age of 20 using the camera of a mobile phone which inspired me to become a filmmaker. Great filmmakers like Jean Luc-Godard and David Lynch inspired me to dream big with a small lens.
How did your family react?
My family was always supportive even though they didn't appreciate my style of filmmaking but it did not discourage me from following my passion.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
I have many role models. Many great filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Jean Luc-Godard, Federico Fellini, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch, and many others inspired me to become a filmmaker. Every filmmaker is different and unique but these masters teach you to follow the path of your passion.
Who's your biggest fan?
I've never received a fan letter so far.
What brings you inspiration the most?
Movies bring me inspiration. Whenever I get a chance to watch others' films, it inspires me to tell my stories. It inspires me to bring my films on the screen as a reality into this world.
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
It would be a dream come true to work with Woody Harrelson.
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
The Godfather (1972).
What's the movie that taught you the most?
8 1/2 (1964) by Federico Fellini is perhaps the movie that taught me the most. It taught me about compellingly telling a story so that the audience is involved with the narration without getting into the analytical aspect of the movie. The other film would be 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
Most of the time. Imposter Syndrome is a common thing these days.
On set what excites you the most?
Ankit Kadam: You write a lot of scenes in a dark room in your mind imagining millions of things at a time but it only becomes a reality on set. It excites me to see how different departments of filmmaking come together to create a unique reality out of the dry pages of the script.
And what scares you the most?
A life without passion.
What's your next project?
Currently, I'm in the process of writing the script for my next project.
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?
I would not do that otherwise I would have nobody to admire.
An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....
A writer or a director is made of imagination & dreams.
For you Cinema is....
Cinema is a means that liberates us to go beyond human limitations.
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
Definitely, it makes you imagine a lot more than what is visible on the screen. It sets a different mood for the viewing experience. It is hard to imagine the tramp character of Charlie Chaplin on screen without the Black and White format. There were films in the past where directors deliberately chose to work in Black & White medium such as Raging Bull (1980), Manhattan (1979), The Elephant Man(1980), and many others.
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
I'd be dishonest if I'd say no.
Do you think you're gonna win it?
Who knows?
Juan Meraz - Interview
Despite his studies in Marine Ecology, he has been interested in arts, as painting and literature, writing short tales and participating in paintings expositions. Because uses scientific images and videos as part of his job, creation of different type of visual contents is familiar to him. On the other hand, usually write critics and opinions about movies in his social networks. Due his knowledge in videos creation matter, and his fascination for movies, he has making short videos for several contests and documentaries for private presentations. Thanks to the union of all these themes, he wrote a short story that finally decided to convert into a short movie, called “Sarah”. It`s a story of a little girl living with her vicious mother. Creation of Sarah represented a huge work doing by Juan himself. He not only wrote the story, but also draw all necessary pictures (about 50), edited the video, recorded the music and recorded his voice in off telling the story.
Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?
Drama
Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?
I think art comes from the experience and particular vision of the artist, and feelings bring to mind inspiration and creation. Rufino Tamayo, a Mexican Painter, said that artist is most creative when pain is the dominant feeling. So, for mi, Art imitates Life.
Which is the best Moment on set?
I am a marine ecologist, working as a scientist in a university, with limited experience on set. But I could say that the best moment on set is when director-writer looks how and idea takes form. I mean, it`s great see an actor characterizing something that was only in your mind.
Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?
Not really. In my limited experience I only have heard good opinions. Actually, some friends ask me why don´t spend more time with shorts and movies.
How can you stay focused on your goal?
Not rushing. Taking breaks help me to revise and plan steps that ensue in the process to finish a work. With “Sarah”, many things changed along the creative process, but goal was clear: the story message and its end.
Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?
Yes. With “Sarah” I spent almost ten years thinking how to resolve some parts. For example, it was conceived as a book, rather than short or movie. In some parts I didn’t write dialogs that satisfied me. That was frustrating. But, as a said before, taking long breaks help me to reframe the story. Then, after a deep revision, I decided to do a short film. Along all this process, a few times I felt that “Sarah” will never see the light. That was depressing.
Talent is a blessing or a curse?
Both. When you watch the final cut could feel a mixture of joy and proud, and think “Wow! I´m really good. But is horrible when people don´t see the beauty you do. Then, you think “I have something good, why others don´t see that? Why don't understand you?
What would you like to improve about yourself as an
actor/director/screenplayer?
All! I have not a formal education in the subject. So, learn about all the process to direction and production of a movie should be great.
What's the worst critic you have received?
My elder daughter found in “Sarah” a continuing problem. I had revised the scene several times not detecting the error. She did it at first glance. Ja!
That was funny because I use to find this kind of errors watching movies due my interest in details. But I can be proud that she, at age of 18, has a good critic eye.
If you weren't an actor/director/screenplayer what would you like to be?
Actually I´m a Marine Biologist. So, the correct question is: “If you weren't a director or screenplayer what would you like to be? Answer? A Marine Biologist or Painter or Musician.
If Cinema was a color what would it be?
Green, because is a color made from others, its related to nature and remains me the green screen, ja!
A day without a movie is...
A day with a book or a song. It`s all about stories.
If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?
Yes, for two reasons. I could make something good from a despised idea, or I could earn enough money to finance better movies. In both cases I only asked for some liberty to do the movie with my “style”.
What's your greatest ambition?
Have the opportunity to share ideas and work those with directors like Tim Burton or Terry Gilliam.
What's your biggest fear?
Don´t leave something important or beauty, or really useful to humanity.
Does music helps you to play/direct, write?
Of course. I´m working in the “Making of Sarah”, and watching videos or photos made when I was creating “Sarah” I found that all the time music was there. I can`t work without music. Of course, is important to have silence from time to time. But music helps me to focused and concentrate in my ideas. Different kind of music for different parts of the creative process.
You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?
When I think in silent movie, Louise Brookes comes to my mind. Her life was incredible, difficult and sad, because she was a very young woman working hard to be somebody in a cruel world dominated for men. She moves from a small town to New York and then to Germany. Despite her legacy is great, it has been unknow and even ignored. She died poor and alone, but happy and satisfied because she did the things she wanted, against all odds.
She gave us a great lesson of joy and freedom yelling in silence. It is compulsory to make a movie about she and her message. Do that in a silent movie should be poetic.
Share your speech if you should win an Oscar...
Life is beautiful because we have arts, that are based on a creative process shared by artists. Arts are expressions from the mind and the heart of talented people. Their work and legacy make this a better world. And all we have to be thankful to them: Writers, Painters, Musicians, Actors… Directors.
Thanks to all of them, and to the people that like to watch movies, to criticized and comment them. Every conversation about movies, is a nice and enjoyable moment. Many thanks to all that made me what I am. To my people of Mexico, specially to my parents. To my protective brothers, supportive sisters and those who formed part of my family. To my lovely niece and nephew and many thanks to my beautiful daughters, Constanza and Valeria, the princesses that are the wind beneath my wings.