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

Hi Kate, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a kid I loved to connect with other kids by acting out scenes from movies and TV shows I admired at that time. There were no right or wrong scenarios, rules, or ways to play — we just did. And we felt free. It took me to a place where nothing was impossible. Years later, I still live by the same principle: through hard work and determination, I moved from a small town in Russia to the Olympics of Cinema, and continue to connect with people on stage and screen. I want to inspire people to be brave and go for their dreams — that is why I act, write, and direct.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My mom passed from cancer as I was finishing high school in Russia, and it heavily influenced me. In my 20s I had a lot of self-doubt; I was never happy with myself, where I was on my path, or what I did. Even a decade later I realized that the wound was still bleeding. They say art is healing. In 2021, I created my first film “Parallels,” which I wrote, produced, directed, and starred in, and because it was such a personal story — I could finally find closure. It took time, courage, and deep inner work to come to a place of loving this creative journey. But creating that film helped me to find my unique voice, confidence, and inner power. I’m very proud that the film was also recognized worldwide by festivals, and received awards such as Best Drama Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and awards for my cast. Its online release is scheduled for the end of May on the YouTube channel Omeleto.

My goal is to continue creating stories that will inspire people and move them emotionally.

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 was visiting Los Angeles, I’d take her on a hike to the Hollywood sign — it’s quite inspiring to see the whole city from that point. If you’re into cinema like me I highly recommend the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — it’s like a portal in the magic of filmmaking. I’m a foodie and I love trying new places. But amongst my favorites are Yamashiro in Hollywood (Japanese cuisine,) Traktir in Tarzana/West Hollywood (Russian cuisine,) and Front Yard in Studio City (American.)

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?
When I was around 11 years old, I came across the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I read it practically in one sitting. I recall this was the first time I felt inspired by the magic of life, and its endless possibilities. I was driven by the desire to find my “treasure” and my inner purpose. When I turned 18, my best friend and I traveled to the US and I finally got a sense of belonging, which I couldn’t get in Russia. In 2024, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary in the States. I’ve met so many interesting people on my path, who passed on their wisdom and elevated me somehow. But I guess the person who continues to inspire me and to never give up is me — 5, 10 years from now. It might sound arrogant, but being an artist is one of the hardest professions out there, without a clear direction or a certain success guarantee. Whether it’s actors, writers, dancers, musicians, or filmmakers — we face many outer obstacles and inner battles every day, and in order to succeed and thrive in this business I believe it’s important to be mentally strong. And that work can only be done by you alone.

Website: www.iamkatemedia.net

Instagram: www.instagram.com/katesurinskaya/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5iLZuk1HDDbtfAhDeY32eQ

Image Credits
Dana Patrick; Oleg Adamovich; Yuriy Demidov

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.