Tempo writer and award-winning poet, Paul D, sat down with university student, director and videographer, Karina Kiseleva, to discuss her creative efforts in the UAE.
Paul D: Where are you from originally, and how did you get to the UAE?
Karina: I’m half Russian and half Tatar; born and raised until I was five years old in Kazan. I came to the UAE with my mother, who had just finished law school. She wanted the family together so instead of working back home, she decided we should move to the UAE. My father had a job opportunity and was working in Dubai, so we set to make our lives here as a family.
Paul D: That’s a future geography lesson for me because I have never heard of those places. How did you get into film? Who are your major inspirations?
Karina: I wrote a lot, saw a lot, and heard a lot. I didn’t speak much though, except when it was necessary. I wanted to portray in some way the things I had seen because I saw beautiful similarities between people and saw common ground in what we share. Sometimes we watch a movie and watch someone’s reality and we see the similarities, and that’s when we experience a sudden shift of perspective. I wanted to learn how to visually portray all that I had. My major inspirations, strangely enough were always revolutionary – and by that I don’t necessarily mean political, I mean by your every day people who keep life going. I think my parents are my major inspirations. They showed me that nothing is impossible; they’re living proof to me.
Paul D: You’re currently studying film in university. What comes after that?
Karina: I want to open up a production house. I never want to stop making films.
Paul D: Your favourite movies and actors of all time?
Karina: American History X by Tony Scott, La Vita E Belle by Roberto Benigni, The Thief by Pavel Chukhray, and Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore. It’s really hard to pick a few, but those come to mind right now. In terms of actors, Angelina Jolie would be the one; I always had this strange connection to the roles she chose. What are yours?
Paul D: I have really been in to international movies lately. I like The Diving Bell and Butterfly, a French film, and a Norwegian film called Headhunters. In the past year, you have made music videos, a documentary, and a movie. What is your favorite medium?
Karina: Movies. In all honesty, when you’re still studying, you’re always exploring – it’s naive of me to say this, but that is why I joined film school, mainly to learn how to make films. Music videos and documentaries have been my preparation towards making a picture, and I’ve been preparing and writing for so long. Before I leave, I’ll definitely shoot my first short film as director.
Paul D: You have done great videography at the Rooftop Rhythms show. What are your thoughts about the show?
Karina: It’s a beautiful place to be because everybody is there to share a story that you know is personal to them, and the audience is there to relate. I love it because it gives that sense of belonging and unity.
Paul D: Have you ever done work in front of the camera?
Karina: Yes, I have, and, for a while, I had thought I liked being in front of the camera only because through acting I could express things I’d kept in. I would release through my characters. The beauty in acting is that you get to cheat life; you get to live more lives through your characters and it builds an understanding. I found much more comfort in being behind the camera because I get a much broader perspective on all that is happening. I’m more aware.
Paul D: What is your favourite genre of movie?
Karina: Drama. Yours?
Paul D: Suspense. What are your long term goals? Will you go back to Russia or stay here in the Middle East?
Karina: I would love to go back home eventually, but right now I’m looking at building my foundation and creating my stability here in the UAE. This place is full of possibility.
Paul D: It sure is. So, I was wondering about the possibility of you paying the coffee bill.
