Spring Digital Cover Girl: Zarina Yeva
How would you describe your achievements now that you are studying in the United States?
I am studying at the New York Film Academy with a degree in Acting for film in Los Angeles. During the global pandemic, many things have changed that affected my studies. Many classes were online. But despite this, I think it was the best solution for me. The school is very strong and has revealed many aspects of acting for me. I began to look at some techniques of getting used to the role and building an image in a new way. I always strive for improvement and self-development.
Tell us about your most memorable role?
I have two most memorable roles: the first is the role of Sabina in the film "Kazakh lessons" directed by Yermek Shynarbayev. This role is very versatile, deep and incredibly interesting. This is a part of my soul. The second, the role of Tana in the movie "The Legend of Tomiris" directed by Akan Satayev where I played the commander of the Amazon army in the 6th century BC. It was interesting to create a heroine of that era. Tana is a true warrior, she is incredibly strong and free. It was an unforgettable experience.
Which director do you want to work with?
This would be David Fincher. He's one of my favorite directors. He has its own aesthetic, his own style. His style is easily recognizable. I just recently watched his new work "Mank" which has 10 Oscar nominations. It's just a masterpiece. I cried because of how beautiful this movie is.
Was it difficult to make a choice between acting and modeling?
Cinema-is my biggest passion and love. For me, acting is a prayer, like a conversation with God. A weakness in me is revealed when I act, which I usually hide from the outside world and even from myself. I used to be strong from childhood, always relying only on myself. Always count on your strength and achieve, despite the pain, suffering, resentment, betrayal. In creating an image, acting, I always find that part of myself that I carefully hide from myself.
I am very sensitive to cinema. And modeling is something I love and I love being in front of the camera. The one does not interfere with the other.
Which roles are closer to you in spirit – drama or action?
These are two of my favorite genres. But drama is closer to me in spirit. I always liked exploring the human soul. To dig for the truth, to go deep, to look beyond fear and despair. Often a person finds himself in various difficult life situations, in a struggle with the whole world, and sometimes with himself. As Edward Yoo says, “Everybody hurts. Everybody is fighting a secret battle”. Creating such an image full of challenges is very exciting and interesting.
How do you take criticism?
I love constructive criticism. Criticism is the engine of progress. I am a very self-critical person, and most often I am rarely satisfied with myself. This allows me to always be on the move and develop. I always take criticism very seriously. I try to remember and work on it. I have been very lucky in my life - I have had and still have very good teachers: people I trust very much. I try to write down all the criticism. So I know exactly in which direction I should move and develop.
Tell us about your next creative plans?
Currently, I am preparing for two projects. These are lead roles and absolutely opposites: two heroines. The first film is action. Where my heroine is a very romantic, light, charismatic and bright girl. The second film is a drama where my character is a strong female doctor that works in a mental hospital, and tries to help one of her patients. Both projects are very interesting and exciting and require enormous energy and work.
