Evelina Barseghyan: Crafting Cinematic Universes from Scratch

They say directing is a leader’s game. A director is the heart of filmmaking, breathing life into new worlds and masterpieces. It’s astonishing that such a monumental task can be shouldered by a young woman. Today, we’re thrilled to host Evelina Barseghyan, a Russian director, screenwriter, and producer whose films have captivated global audiences, graced the long-list for the Oscars and Golden Eagle Awards, and clinched top honors at prestigious film festivals. Her brilliance has twice propelled her to the finals of the Cannes screenplay competition. How does she balance these roles, what fuels her creativity, and when can we anticipate her next cinematic marvel? Let’s dive into our interview.

Evelina, your impressive body of work and achievements is truly inspiring. How did you find your way into cinema?

As a child, I had two dreams: to become a director or a journalist. I’m not sure where these dreams came from. I was born in Sevan, a lakeside city in Armenia, and grew up in a small Siberian village in Omsk. My childhood and youth were devoid of gadgets and the internet, which perhaps helped nurture my imagination. We had a vast library at home, and I spent countless hours reading, crafting stories, and writing essays. Since Omsk didn’t offer film directing courses at the time, I enrolled in the philology department of Omsk State University to pursue journalism. After a brief stint in the field, I packed my bags, hopped on a train, and set off for St. Petersburg. I never dreamed of living there; I simply wanted to experience a big city.

St. Petersburg truly transformed my world—it was filled with endless opportunities and inspiring people. Here, I dipped my toes into cinema, started gathering like-minded individuals, and attempted to shoot something. Occasionally, the renowned film director Alexander Sokurov would hold masterclasses there. I learned about his film laboratory, which took place over two summers near St. Petersburg. To gain entry, I created a short film and became one of the participants. That’s probably where it all began.

Today, you are the mastermind behind four films, and in nearly all of them, you serve as the screenwriter, director, and producer. Is it challenging to juggle multiple roles simultaneously?

I would gladly relinquish the role of the producer. However, when you’re creating short films, no one will care about the film more than you. Many directors will echo this sentiment. An experienced producer often has little interest in short films since they already have a name in the industry. Finding a producer with little experience who wants to create a short film is challenging. You need to find someone who is passionate about the project and willing to invest their time and resources.

As for combining the roles of screenwriter and director, it’s a natural progression for me. Writing the screenplay allows me to visualize the film and understand the characters deeply. Directing, then, becomes an extension of that process. It’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see your vision come to life on screen.

Your films have been recognized globally. What inspires your storytelling?

Inspiration comes from everywhere—books, music, art, and even everyday life. I’m a keen observer, and I often find myself drawing from personal experiences and emotions. My Armenian heritage and my upbringing in Siberia have also significantly influenced my storytelling. The contrast between these two worlds has given me a unique perspective that I try to infuse into my films.

Moreover, I’m inspired by the works of great directors like Andrei Tarkovsky, Federico Fellini, and Ingmar Bergman. Their ability to create deeply moving and thought-provoking films is something I aspire to. I also find inspiration in the works of contemporary filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of cinema.

What can we expect from Evelina Barseghyan in the future?

I’m currently working on several projects that I’m very excited about. One of them is a feature film that explores the complexities of human relationships. It’s a story that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. I’m also developing a few short films that delve into various aspects of the human condition.

In addition to filmmaking, I’m passionate about nurturing young talent. I believe in the power of education and mentorship, and I hope to contribute to the growth of the next generation of filmmakers. I’m planning to conduct workshops and masterclasses where I can share my experiences and learn from aspiring filmmakers.

As for my long-term goals, I want to continue creating films that resonate with audiences worldwide. I want to tell stories that matter, stories that can make a difference. I also hope to collaborate with talented individuals from different parts of the world, bringing diverse perspectives to the screen.

In conclusion, my journey in cinema has been a whirlwind of experiences, challenges, and triumphs. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met along the way. I’m excited about the future and the stories I have yet to tell. Cinema is a powerful medium, and I’m honored to be a part of it.