Meet Iryna Romaniv | Producer

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

Hi Iryna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is an integral part of success, and the key is always to measure the level of risk against your own strengths. Without risk – just like without the ability to take responsibility – it’s impossible to become truly independent. If you constantly rely on someone else to take that step, then someone else will eventually reap the rewards.

In my career, risk has always been present. It’s an inseparable element of being a producer – there’s always a chance something might not go as planned. You learn to accept these risks as part of your life and the environment you work in.

Looking back at my own path – from finance to the music industry, through IT, and eventually into film – every transition came with enormous risks. What I’ve learned is this: don’t be afraid of change. Allow it time, like good wine that needs to mature, move forward step by step, and have patience. At the same time, any big change requires preparation – financial stability and the support of close people are essential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My latest and most transformative step was moving from the music industry into film. It wasn’t a difficult decision – the transition felt organic. I simply started working in film, and before I knew it, the industry had captured all of my time, focus, and passion. What drew me in was the discovery of new goals and new heights I knew I was ready to reach. And in many ways, producing wasn’t an entirely new world – the role of a producer is deeply connected to finance, organization, and collaboration, which were already the foundation of my previous experience.

What makes me proud is that I’ve always followed my heart and never been afraid to change everything in a single moment. I’ve trusted my ability to adapt, to learn, and to build something meaningful from scratch. In finance, I gained discipline and structure. In music and IT, I discovered creativity and global collaboration. And in film, I finally found my true calling – the place where all my skills, passions, and experiences come together.

Among the milestones I value most is producing the short film Human, which went on to be recognized at international film festivals. That was a turning point. Then came Things, a feature project I’m developing now. Along the way, I was also fortunate to receive a European Solidarity Fund grant for the post-production of War Through the Eyes of Animals starring Sean Penn – an experience that reinforced my belief that meaningful stories always find their way.

Right now, I’m preparing to shoot my short film An Essay on Self-Torture – a very personal project that explores the difficult subject of abuse. It’s a film I both wrote and am producing, and I’m incredibly proud of the courageous and talented team behind it. We are almost fully financed, with just a small part left to secure. For me, this project is a defining one, and I’m already looking forward with excitement to the start of production. And of course, if someone feels inspired by the story and would like to join as an executive producer, this would be the perfect time to step in.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is this: don’t be afraid to change directions. Each stage of life can bring something entirely new, and sometimes the most unexpected turn can lead to the most meaningful path.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is that I am dedicated to telling stories that matter – stories that explore human complexity, empathy, and resilience. I approach every project with care, responsibility, and a long-term vision.

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.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d make sure the trip was unforgettable. Honestly, they’d have a pretty intense time with me, because I’d definitely take them to the mountains. We’d rent a cozy chalet high up in the hills, wake up to the sound of silence and fresh air, and then spend a whole day hiking through the trails, picking berries, and just enjoying that raw connection with nature. In the evening, we’d reward ourselves with hearty local cuisine, try out the traditional “chany” hot baths, and end the night relaxed and happy.

Another day we’d slow things down, wander through the forest, meet locals, hear their stories, and soak in that authentic mountain atmosphere. As the sun sets, we’d sit outside with a glass of wine, talking for hours — the kind of conversations that only happen when you’re surrounded by nature and have nowhere else to rush.

Over the course of the week, I’d mix in little adventures — maybe horseback riding, visiting small mountain villages with their craft markets, and of course, tasting more traditional dishes. For me, the best memories always come from simple things: the laughter on a hike, sharing food at a rustic wooden table, or watching the sky change colors at sunset. That’s the kind of week I’d want to give my friend — not just sightseeing, but a real experience of slowing down, recharging, and living in the moment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I fully agree with this idea, it becomes clear that success is never possible without certain people, and sometimes even random encounters or words said in passing can spark actions that change everything. Of course, it’s always a complex mix of processes and circumstances, but none of it would matter without inner persistence and drive.

If I were to describe my journey in one phrase, it would be this: a person who is invited. Every new chapter in my career, every project I’ve worked on, began with someone who saw me in that role and invited me in. And I’ve never let them down. My path in film, for example, started when a friend – a director and screenwriter – suggested we make a short film together. That one step grew into something much bigger. Today, I write scripts, I’ve completed several Netflix workshops, helped secure financing for a film starring Sean Penn, am preparing to shoot my second short, and am developing my first feature.

Along the way, I’ve learned to read people better and to recognize what real support looks like – not in words, but in action. Your environment shapes you and reflects who you are, and qualities like responsibility, the ability to say “no,” and critical thinking are crucial. On this path, I know I can only move forward with like-minded people. Those who doubt can do so without me.

As for screenwriting – it came into my life almost by accident: first as an editor, then as a co-author, and eventually on my own. My sense of story, plot twists, and narrative structure comes largely from books. Books have always been there for me – guiding me, inspiring me, offering both answers and questions. I’ve never considered time spent reading as wasted. No matter where I was, a book in my hands always filled the moment with something important.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris_romaniv?igsh=enQ3dDh0b3N3N2li