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Life & Work with Alina Lukianova of Montpellier/ Paris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Lukianova.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since I was a child, I’ve always been drawn to creativity. I never missed a school performance — concerts, plays, celebrations — I was always on stage, bringing stories to life and sharing emotions. When it came time to choose a profession, my heart was set on acting. But without support from my family, I had to put that dream aside and study something technical.

Still, even at university, I couldn’t let go. I joined the student theater in my first year, and honestly, those were some of the best moments of my life. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a hobby — it was part of who I am.

After graduation, I couldn’t wait any longer. I enrolled in acting courses, earned certifications, and eventually got my diploma in film acting. I truly believed in myself and wanted to be in movies. But I kept hearing the same things: “You have potential, but not for this role,” “You’re wonderful, but we’re looking for a different type,” and, of course, “We’ll call you.” (They never did.)

At the same time, my husband and I dreamed of moving abroad. We imagined Los Angeles — the place where everything seems possible, especially for artists. But life had a twist, and I ended up in France. And surprisingly, that’s where my new chapter began.

When acting jobs didn’t come, I told myself: “If they’re not inviting me into the movie — I’ll make one myself.” That’s how I started creating mini-films on Instagram — stories inspired by my feelings, thoughts, and the world around me. Eventually, I launched my YouTube channel, where I share my adventures — but always with a cinematic touch. Sometimes it’s little scenes woven into the story, other times the whole video turns into a short film.

I film what moves me and what inspires me — from heartfelt moments to light comedy. Today, I’m the director, the writer, the producer, the actress — even the casting director. It’s not easy, but it’s real. And it’s mine. And I’m proud to walk this path.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, the road hasn’t been smooth. Like many others, my dreams often collided with harsh reality, and things didn’t always go according to plan. There were doubts, rejections — too many to count. I never landed a major role, not even a supporting one, back home. The phrase I heard most was, “You have potential” — it still haunts me in my sleep (just kidding… kind of). It wore me down. My motivation slowly faded. I grew disillusioned with the industry and stepped away from it completely. My only return to acting was just before I moved — in a short film called In Her Eyes.

When I moved, I didn’t know the language, and I had to put my dreams — both acting and modeling — on hold.

Later, when I decided to start creating content myself, that came with its own challenges. I didn’t know where to begin. Social media already had so many talented creators, and I was afraid of just being “one more.” Then I fell into the trap of demanding too much from myself — I wanted Hollywood-level quality and scale… but it was just me. No team. No budget.

I had to learn everything as I went. Eventually, I burned out. It was scary. But I came back. I found a rhythm that feels more sustainable — and honest. And now, I’m creating again. I still have my dream but it keeps evolving just like I do – now through social madia.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a storyteller. First and foremost, I strive to create stories that touch the heart, stir emotions, and inspire. I specialize in crafting mini-films and content with cinematic elements, where every detail matters — from the plot to the visual atmosphere. My style is a blend of personal experiences and observations, as well as my desire to convey meaning through frames and emotions. In this process, I’m always in search of something new and exciting, constantly experimenting, challenging myself, and overcoming those challenges.

I film what moves me: from personal stories to broader themes like loneliness, self-discovery, love, and struggle. But I’m also not afraid of humor and light-hearted comedic roles. This allows me to maintain a balance between seriousness and lightness in my content. It ia my way to investigate the world around and show it from an unexpected point of view.

What sets me apart? Probably the fact that I don’t have a team now so I have to do a lot of things on my own. It’s not always easy, but I’m proud that I can handle it and learn new things. In my work, every frame, every moment matters. I don’t chase quantity — I try to make each video as authentic and alive as possible.

What am I most proud of? Probably the fact that, despite all the challenges, I didn’t give up. My mini-films, even with limited resources, always aim to deliver sincere emotions and quality – to tell a story. For me, this isn’t just about creating content — it’s a process where I pour my soul and heart. And I’m proud that I’ve managed to stay true to myself and my values, even as everything around me changes. My YouTube Channal has become a way to talk with the world.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m quite skeptical about luck. For me, the guiding thought is: “You need to earn everything through your own hard work.” Of course, sometimes luck plays a role, but more often than not, I’ve faced challenges and disappointments that at times made me doubt myself and feel discouraged. When I was told I had potential but there were no roles or opportunities, it drained me.

Moving to France was an important turning point in my life, but I don’t consider it pure luck. It was a tough path, full of challenges, uncertainty, and disappointments. And perhaps that was my luck — the ability to find the strength to keep going, despite all the difficulties.

When I started creating content, it was a conscious decision. It wasn’t just luck, but the result of my perseverance and determination to find my own way. Luck, for me, isn’t random chance; it’s the outcome of hard work and the willingness to keep going, even when everything seems hopeless.

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