ZhuZha is a former award-winning rhythmic gymnast from Ukraine who transitioned seamlessly into acting. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. ZhuZha co-wrote, produced, and starred in Klara’s Box, a gripping short exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of truth. Set to debut in 2024, the film reflects her passion for storytelling on and off-camera. We caught up to discuss her project and passion for filmmaking.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in film?
Thank you so much for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to share my experiences and insights with you today. 😊
Growing up in Ukraine, my journey into the world of storytelling began as a competitive rhythmic gymnast, where the art of physical expression and narrative captivated me. Later, as a teenager, I started acting at a local theater company in my hometown, but I never thought it would be something I would choose to pursue professionally.
Upon my move to the US, I initially pursued an academic path, but the allure of the stage and screen beckoned. I studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York as well as other respectable acting studios. However, beneath the surface of my acting endeavors, there was a persistent passion for producing my own work. While my background primarily rests in acting, the pull towards producing has been a consistent undercurrent. Producing has allowed me to be intimately involved in every aspect of the filmmaking process, from conceptualization and pre-production to the final edit. This level of creative control empowers me to craft stories that are authentic, meaningful, and align with my artistic vision. Ultimately, I find producing my own original work to be beyond fulfilling and transformative.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
I was born in Ukraine, and during my early years, everything American held a unique allure for me. At the age of 6, I saw Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on TV, and it left me utterly stunned and deeply impressed. I knew at that moment that I wanted to move to the States, speak the language, immerse myself in the culture. This pretty much was my earliest aspirations toward the world of entertainment. Another influential moment in my formative years was watching “G.I. Jane” with Demi Moore. Even though I experienced it through a poorly translated Russian version, the impact was so profound. I was deeply moved by Demi Moore’s character and her compelling performance. It sparked a strong desire within me to embody the strength and resilience of that character, shaping a significant part of my aspirations during that period. The experience ignited a strong desire in me to personify the strength and resilience of that character, shaping a considerable portion of my aspirations. Little did I know then, the impact of that moment would extend through the years, leading me to develop a profound attraction to characters with similar strength and resilience, much like hers.
I have a vivid memory from my time at HB Studio in New York. During one of my classes, Jess Osuna, one of my earliest American teachers said that he saw me playing strong, powerful women. Back then, being so young and perhaps not fully grasping his insight, I didn’t realize the foresight he had into my future. It turns out, years later, he was so spot on. It’s a realization that sometimes our most impactful influences may not be immediately apparent; they only become clear when we look back on our journey. I’ve developed a profound appreciation for portraying strong women who stand up and fight – be it physical fight, the power of words, or the strength of their hearts. Regardless of the adversities or injustices they might have encountered, I find a compelling narrative in characters who tap into their inner super strength and proudly embrace their true selves.
What three traits define you as an artist?
As an artist, I think I naturally have a good blend of emotional depth, discipline, and passion. I always try to bring a profound emotional resonance to my work, connecting to the heart of stories and exploring complex characters with authenticity. When it comes to my producing, I’m all about discipline – you know what they say, the devil’s in the details. Taking a project from start to finish requires a significant amount of dedication, and I make sure to bring both to the table. Years of professional sports really pay off in this sense. And at the heart of everything there’s this inner fire that keeps me going—the desire to create and be heard, to connect with an audience who can relate, listen, and hopefully find something they enjoy in what they see. Throughout the stages of producing “Klara’s Box,” I got to navigate between various roles, transitioning from producing to writing, to acting, and everything in between; I cherish this hands-on approach and full immersion in the process, and I feel very fortunate to possess a natural ability to do so.
Congratulations on your film ‘Klara’s Box’ being selected for the FirstGlance Film Festival, LA International Film Festival, and the Independent Shorts Awards. Please tell us more about your inspiration for the film and what audiences can expect.
Thank you so much for the congratulations! I’m super excited about “Klara’s Box,” It’s a thriller short which I produced, co-wrote, directed, and starred in and it’s super close to my heart on so many levels. The film follows the story of a down-on-her-luck and grieving woman who stumbles upon a business opportunity from a family friend. Little does she know that this seemingly innocent chance will unravel the mystery behind her father’s recent murder. The film takes the audience on a suspenseful journey. “Klara’s Box” not only delves into the profound theme of loss but also explores interconnected themes of mystery, resilience, and the web of family secrets.
The film festival journey for “Klara’s Box” has just kicked off, and we are super excited that we have already got selections from such reputable and long-running festivals. “Klara’s Box” got an honorable mention for “Best Thriller Short” and that’s such a huge compliment. Can’t wait to showcase it at the FirstGlance Film Festival in March and the Independent Shorts Awards in September this year. Get ready for the suspense and emotion packed into this one! 😊
Audiences are entertained by the finished product, but can you tell us more about the filming schedule and production of Klara’s Box?
Absolutely! Filming “Klara’s Box” was a dynamic and efficient process that revolved around maximizing the resources we had available. We pulled off the entire shoot in just two days, navigating between two indoor locations and incorporating outdoor scenes. With a minimal cast and crew, consisting of three actors, including myself, and four crew members, I strategically planned the production to make the most of our available locations and time constraints.
One of the most challenging aspects was assembling the team. Being relatively new to the LA filmmaking scene after relocating from NYC, it took some time to find a crew and cast that I felt comfortable working with. However, once the team was in place, the collaborative spirit and dedication propelled us forward. The level of investment and collaboration from every team member was truly remarkable; everyone was genuinely eager to contribute to the narrative. As a producer, it was incredibly satisfying for me to witness this collective dedication, seeing the shared passion elevate the storytelling experience of “Klara’s Box.”
As a producer, co-writer, director, and lead actor do you apply a particular methodology and process in your filmmaking?
Certainly! My approach to filmmaking centers around the paramount importance of storytelling. As a filmmaker, I believe that a compelling film starts with a strong solid story. The process kicks off with a thorough exploration of the story, ensuring that every aspect, from scriptwriting to production and performance, aligns with the overarching vision. What makes this process particularly rewarding for me is the multifaceted role I play – as a producer, co-writer, director, and actor, I get to serve the story from all these angles, and it takes a life of its own, evolving into a unique entity.
That moment when we wrapped up the script and moved into filming, and then watching the first cut of “Klara’s Box,” it’s hard to put into words. There was this overwhelming feeling that the film had surpassed even my own imagination. It transformed into something even greater than I initially envisioned. It’s those instances that make the entire filmmaking journey incredibly rewarding.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
Right now, I’m all about taking “Klara’s Box” to the next level – turning it into a full-blown feature-length screenplay. The story has sparked some serious interest, and I want to dive even deeper into its twists and turns. It’s a chance to explore the characters and plot on a whole new level. This is an exciting and significant leap for me as a filmmaker. While I’ve produced several shorts and web series in the past, taking “Klara’s Box” to the feature-length format marks a new chapter in my career.
I’m currently working on another project – a new short film in the making. This time, it’s a psychological thriller where a psychotherapist’s seemingly routine session takes a chilling turn. As she becomes profoundly triggered by her own abusive past, it pushes her professional façade to the brink.
I must admit, my love for the thriller genre runs deep. There’s something incredibly captivating about the tension, unpredictability, and psychological twists that thrillers often bring to the table. The challenge of building suspense and crafting narratives that keep viewers guessing is truly exhilarating, and that’s what draws me to the world of thrillers time and time again.
On a personal note, I bring a rich life experience to my work, having moved continents and states, and carrying a bucket of colorful experiences. This diverse background not only informs my approach to storytelling but also allows me to infuse authenticity into the characters and narratives I bring to life on screen.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Certainly! Readers can find more about me on my acting website, www.Zhuzha.co, where they can learn more about my work in the industry. For information specifically about the film “Klara’s Box,” including the trailer and updates, they can visit our film website: www.klarasboxfilm.com. Additionally, I regularly share updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses on our Instagram @KoshkaFilms. Feel free to connect and stay updated on the latest happenings!
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