I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, a city that instilled in me a deep appreciation for culture, art, and storytelling. Currently, I am based in the UK, where I continue to develop my career as a screenwriter and director.
Your film employs a distinct visual style and storytelling technique. How do you balance artistic innovation with effectively communicating your message to audiences?
When I work on my films, I follow a mental structure that guides every stage of production. I begin with the screenplay, then visualize each scene in detail—considering sound, visuals, and actors. Throughout pre-production, production, and post-production, the project lives in my mind, and I experiment with ideas, exploring what best serves the story. It may sound abstract, but this intuitive process allows me to balance innovation with clarity, ensuring the message resonates with audiences while maintaining visual and artistic originality.
What was it like working with a young actor for this film?
It was a wonderful experience. When I saw a photo of Mia, I immediately knew she was perfect for the role. She is remarkably talented and mature for her age. Working with a young actor required careful planning: filming is limited to four hours per day, with 15–20 minute breaks each hour. We also needed to shoot multiple types of shots—close-ups, extreme close-ups, medium shots—which required constant adjustments to lighting and lenses. Despite these challenges, Mia’s professionalism and talent allowed us to capture all the shots needed to fully realize the film’s emotional depth.
Your film "Shadows" explores the forced separation of a mother and daughter. Can you speak to the emotional resonance of this narrative and how it reflects broader societal issues?
The film is dedicated to raising awareness about the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russian forces. It delves deeply into the emotions of both child and parent, portraying the profound psychological and physical consequences of such separation. Beyond individual trauma, these events have far-reaching societal effects, impacting mental health, family structures, and community cohesion. My goal is to convey both personal and collective tragedy, fostering understanding and empathy.
How has the reception of your films influenced your perspective on storytelling and its ability to create social impact?
I approach each project with a clear vision of how it should look and feel, carefully selecting elements to engage both the mind and heart of the viewer. The positive reception of my films has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to inspire reflection and action. These responses encourage me to continue creating films that not only move audiences emotionally but also contribute to meaningful social dialogue and change.
Olga, your film "Shadows" explores themes of separation and loss. How do you hope your film fosters empathy and understanding towards those affected by similar circumstances?
Fiction allows us to experience emotions beyond our own lives. By combining narrative, visual, and emotional elements, my films allow viewers to step into the lives of those affected by trauma, experiencing their fear, sadness, and resilience. My hope is that audiences develop empathy, gain perspective, and feel inspired to support efforts that protect and restore the lives of Ukrainian children and families impacted by Russia’s war.
Besides spreading awareness, how can people help with this cause?
Ideally, initiatives such as associations or collaborative networks could be created to involve lawyers, activists, artists, and volunteers. By organizing events, campaigns, and advocacy efforts, such initiatives could directly support efforts to reunite children with their families and ensure they have a safe, happy future. Collective action can amplify awareness and generate tangible impact.
To know more about Olga:
https://filmfreeway.com/OlgaNiekrasova
https://cannesfilmawards.com/interviews/olga-niekrasova
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15129297/
