Meet Ira Storozhenko | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ira Storozhenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ira, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art, to me, is not only a form of self-expression but a tool for timeless conversation. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by paintings, studying artists and their styles and seeing how a single image could perfectly represent the century, speaking about critical social issues.

When I discovered the world of movies, everything changed for me. Not only have I been watching films to get entertained, but I was also being educated. A good film is like a good book – it lets you sit in silence after the screening, reflecting on your journey and relationships with people and the world. So if to answer the question – it was not much of a choice for me to get into filmmaking, as it was a call from inside myself that I could not ignore.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a film director is a very tough journey that seems easy and easy only on the surface. For most people not connected with filmmaking, the image of the director is a person in power that steps on set, calls “action” and “cut,” and happily goes home after, being respected by everyone around. But the reality is that the career of the film director is full of uncertainty at every stage and level, comes with a giant bag of responsibility for things being made and how they are being made, for the message we put in our story, and most importantly for the constant conversation with society and endless attempt to make the world to be a better place.
I think the biggest lesson that I am still learning is self-discipline. It is quite challenging to navigate it along with the inspiration. The inspiration can come at any minute, any time of day. To me, it usually comes at night, when everything gets quiet, and my brain starts seeing the story, characters, and arcs in such a clear way that even if I am tired and exhausted, I must get up from the bed, open my laptop and start writing. It sounds melodramatic, but as much as it is a blessing, it requires a lot of self-strength not to be lazy and follow your instincts and imagination.
It took me a few years to create my personal schedule that allows me to make notes if I wake up at night and get up early morning to revise and continue working on what I have envisioned at night. Creating a personalized schedule based on my unique inspiration workflow helped me to stay on track and not to turn my creative process into a chaotic routine. It also helped a lot to get things done and turn scripts on time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a very unique city to me. My favorite part of the year is the end of winter – early spring when the trees bloom, and all the areas from the valley to downtown get dressed in colorful flowers. I like those fresh spring nights, and if to think of my favorite place – I usually go to Edendale restaurant. I love the little patio, where you can maintain a vital conversation or have fun with your friends. I also like the giant old mirror in the bar – a work of art, and every time I look at it – I think about the time and how it goes in the world. If you are visiting LA, Edendale is one of the must places to check out.

I would also go to any local stand-up comedy events. It is a fantastic way to support up-and-coming artists, cheer their talent, be entertained, and get in a fun mood.

I would also check out Malibu Beach and enjoy a beautiful ocean view; if you are lucky enough, you might see a couple of dolphins making their way near the shore.

If I were asked to choose one museum, it would be the Getty Center. It is one of my favorite places of power and inspiration. A fabulous art exhibition comes with the bonus of the majestic view of Los Angeles, where you can contemplate the city’s beauty from the hill.

Overall, I think LA is rich with places that can inspire and surprise you pleasantly. Starting from the Art District in DTLA and up to Santa Clarita, where you could enjoy a pleasant hike or find a movie set in one of the ranches.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Almost all of my stories are driven by strong female characters, filled with conflicts and relationships with their mothers or sisters. My sister has been for years a big inspiration for me. As an older sibling, she taught me how to share, appreciate what I have, and fight for my place in the world. She has also taught me to be vulnerable and not ashamed of my feelings. Even though we haven’t seen each other for a long time, she continues to be my closest friend, and we talk to each other now and then. I have to admit that because of my sister, I have learned the value of the sisterhood and how important it is for women to support each other. I have many female friends, and part of the happy friendship I owe to my sister.
Every time I am lost, going through a tough time, and can’t find inspiration – I always dial the same cell phone, excited to hear her voice on the other side.
The first short film I directed was inspired by my sister and one of the feature films I have in development now.

Studying directing, I used to hear from my mentors all the time that to create an authentic story, one must look inside themself and find a personal connection to the material, find something unique that would power the narrative with emotional strength. My relationship with my sister continues to be one of the big stones that move my stories forward in my creative journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ira_always_ira/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-storozhenko-84a7b01b1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irina.storozhenko.543

Image Credits
Miida Chu