Kateryna Kurganska, a Ukrainian-American filmmaker based in Los Angeles, a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, has quickly emerged as a unique voice in independent cinema. Her journey from Eastern Ukraine to the United States is more than just a change of location; it’s a profound narrative of personal growth, resilience, and artistic evolution.
Kateryna’s latest short film, Two Breaths, is a deeply personal reflection of her life journey. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Hawai’i, this 20-minute adventure drama-fantasy explores themes of identity, home, and the profound connection between humanity and nature.
Two Breaths (Drama, Fantasy, 20 min)
Logline: After a man-made disaster decimates an evergreen island, a stranded 11-year-old girl must find the strength to leave her home behind with the help of an unlikely friend—the island’s majestic spirit, Two Breaths.
Through the eyes of the film’s young protagonist, Ava, played by rising star Maia Ann Puwai’i, Kateryna channels her own experiences as a refugee. At the age of 21, Kateryna embarked on a journey to a new country, alone, without knowing the language or a single person. Two Breaths transcends the typical survival story; it is a poignant meditation on the necessity of letting go of the past to embrace the future.
In Two Breaths, Kateryna also delivers a powerful message about humanity’s need to live in harmony with nature. Having witnessed the devastating effects of war, she seeks to inspire the audience to contemplate their relationship with the environment and each other more deeply.
The film is now making waves on the festival circuit, having debuted at the showcase to industry professionals at the American Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival in May. Audiences can catch Two Breaths on a big screen at one of its upcoming screenings:
Upcoming Screenings:
- Catalina Film Festival
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Venue: Avalon, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704
Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Cordillera International Film Festival
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Venue: Galaxy Theatres Legends IMAX, Sparks, NV 89434
Time: 3:15 PM
- Burbank International Film Festival
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Venue: AMC Theaters, Theater #11 in Burbank, CA
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Program: SCI-FI / Supernatural Films #1 + Q&A
- Lady Filmmakers Festival, 16th Annual Celebration
Festival Dates: September 25 – 30, 2024
Venue: Fine Arts Theatre, 8556 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website. - Catalyst Content Festival
Festival Dates: October 2 – 6, 2024 Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website. - Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF)
Festival Dates: October 2 – 13, 2024 Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website. - Pacific Island Film Festival of New York City
Festival Dates: October 17 – 20, 2024
Venue: Lincoln Center and Smithsonian’s National Museum, New York
Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website. - The Micheaux Film Festival
Festival Dates: October 21 – 27, 2024
Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website. - Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
Festival Dates: October 30 – November 5, 2024
Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website. - St. Louis International Film Festival
Festival Dates: November 7 – 17, 2024
Screening day and time to be announced soon. Check the festival’s website.
Two Breaths Movie Teaser: https://vimeo.com/945376095/bc8206f86b?share=copy