Zhenia Kazankina

BIO

Zhenia Kazankina (she/her) is a screenwriter and director, born in Moscow, Russia, in 1996. She graduated from the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) and is currently based in Rome, Italy.
Her work explores themes of self-identity, emigration, attachment, and the search for belonging — often through the lens of alienation and solitude from a feminine perspective. Unfold in a collective dimension, her stories are rooted in metaphorical concepts and personal experience, and touched with elements of mystery and magic.
Her short films have screened at international festivals including the Locarno Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, ZINEBI, True/False, and many others.
She is an alumna of the Locarno Filmmakers Academy, the Spring Academy, and the Reykjavík Talent Lab.

WORKSHOPS & LABS

2024 ‘Locarno Filmmakers Academy’ Locarno Film Festival

2023 ‘FOCUS WiP’ Cannes Film Festival (participated with the short film “NEW”)

2023 ‘Spring Academy’ Locarno Film Festival — Workshop “Find a film!” held by Radu Jude

2022 ‘Talent Lab’ Reykjavík International Film Festival

PRESS

✶ The Blueprint: “Three Secret Clues of Longing”, online premiere, interview (rus)

✶ Format Court: Zhenia Kazankina: “Je veux explorer le réel”, interview (fr)

✶ Format Court: La solitude de l’intérieur à Belfort, “Empty Rooms”, article (fr)

✶ Directors Notes: “Continuity of Parks” online premiere, interview (eng)

✶ Directors Notes: “RIO” online premiere, interview (eng)

✶ Garage Screen: Zhenia Kazankina on “RIO”, interview (rus)