Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristýna Budínová.
Hi Kristýna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since I was a snotty toddler, I remember wondering, ”What are these stories we tell ourselves, and why?” The art of storytelling is a formidable communication tool but also a profoundly personal, emotional experience. It is how we learn, process, and evolve; our past, present, and future. A compelling story touches hearts and inspires action; a good storyteller can build connections and bridge seemingly impossible gaps. I aspire to story-tell for that reason and so many more.
I had a lot of questions when I was little, as most kids do. Every storyteller is meant to question. In either case, I was hungry for knowledge and understanding, so I asked, and I asked, and I asked. Stubborn and persistent to a flaw, I questioned until the backlash of my curiosity pushed me to develop better instincts. I learned the power of keen observation, and though I never stopped questioning, I now heavily rely on my intuition, acute insight, and perception to navigate the world. I ask, observe, and explore on my quest to grasp the complexity of life and human existence in a story form. But where does reality end and imagination begin?
Even though we moved around a lot growing up, each place was quickly filled with my creations, marked by my existence. Papers of colorful scribbles stuck to the fridge, pen-drawn explosions that did not quite wash off the walls, chestnut figurines with leafed hair, and questionable body parts guarding the window sills… I would draw, paint and create who-knows-what every chance I got, as it was an activity that came about naturally. Something I could disappear into and focus on fully, thought-filled and without a thought all at once. Creating was my safe space and favorite pastime, and that much has not changed.
I practiced the craft as if possessed– obsessed, lost in the art day and night, studying graphic design at the prestigious Václav Hollar Art School in Prague, the City-of-a-Hundred-Spires and a thousand pubs; the small but mighty central-eastern European capital of Czech Republic– my home ground. I would look up to great artists, past and contemporary, and dissect their art under a microscope; wondering what they thought and how they felt; visiting galleries to contemplate what they shared– subject, size, color, pattern, texture, method, and what else. Then, I’d return to my canvas of the day and let go of reason. It was fun, but something was missing. Something…
Something great happened when I entered my 20s. I got the opportunity to cross the Atlantic Ocean and, for the first time, try out filmmaking. Ka-boom! Fireworks. The ugly duckling found her crowd, and she is not a swan but a writer-director with an appetite for editing. What started as a 4-week filmmaking workshop ended in a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the New York Film Academy, earned in New York City and Los Angeles. Studying under Paul Warner, Claude Kerven, and Lea Brandenburg, I fell in love with the whole cinema experience: the legends and the process.
What is better than an artist creating? A group of them doing it together. A collective of storytellers collaborating in prep, on set, and after that to make a movie, tell a story, send a message, share an emotion, to let the audience imagine, scream, laugh, and cry- sometimes all at the same time; to inspire and to enjoy the wonder of cinema. That is where I am today, excited to create and collaborate as a freelance filmmaker for hire. I write, direct and edit various visual media for multiple outlets and focus-pull and camera assist when possible. Happy to be on set, involved in the making, and growing through each experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one can’t do this job unless they love it. It’s far from the glitter and glamour most people imagine when it comes to the Hollywood film industry. It’s long hours, pushing physical and mental limits, and as an emerging artist, nonexistent stability and little to no compensation.
As an independent and especially an immigrant, finding ways to price your creative work accurately is a crucial skill to master. I have learned from my mistakes that you have to have tough conversations at the beginning, articulate and define the extent of your creative responsibility before accepting any given project.
One thing I still struggle with to date is being so far away from family. For the most part, America has been welcoming, and I am grateful for all the opportunities and perks I am able to enjoy here; I’ve made great friends, and I have people to rely on and share life with, but nobody speaks my mother language. I miss the Czech Republic all the while I am building a life here; it gets confusing. Though, I am coming to accept homesickness as an inevitable part of my new foreign homeland. And luckily, my family is safe, and the internet exists. That helps a lot, knowing it is a privilege.
Last to mention, I stand to create a safe space for everybody but especially those who identify as women. It is a tough business forged in patriarchy but full of wonder and magic. A few rotten eggs won’t ruin it for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I mentioned, I am working as a freelance filmmaker for hire. I write, direct and edit various visual media for various outlets. I focus on narrative, but I love music videos and marketing media as well, as I view it all as a story in a different package. At the moment, I am preparing two commercial campaigns to be shot this upcoming month.
I am most proud of my journey as a whole rather than any one specific project. This profession is one of bringing original contributions to the world culture, and though I’ve barely started and have miles and miles ahead of me, I am an active participant, which feels great.
Apart from my creativity, I’d say my biggest strength and what sets me apart is my ability to adapt and improvise under pressure. As the Czech proverb “tichá voda břehy mele” (translation: “quiet water grinds the banks”), I am calm as I get things done.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Generally, what helps me do my best is the arts; cinema, music, literature, performance, architecture… I am an art addict with no intention of going to rehab.
Currently, I am reading a book by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph. D., called “Women Who Run With the Wolves,” and it is helping me understand so much, altogether reshaping my worldview. Shoutout to Pam, who gave me this wonderful, powerful gift. I love it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristynabudinova.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisbudityno/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyna-budinova-bb1060195/?locale=en_US
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11039147/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
Image Credits
Apart from the first photo (of me on set), all attached pictures are screen grabs from projects I directed. 1. BTS photo of me on set, 2. “Unconditional” DP: Ale Rubiera, 3. “Incessant” DP: Cheriana Resky, 4. “Persistence of Hate” DP: Nazgul Khalelova, 5. “One Fine Sundae” DP: Kerstin Ebert, 6. “Unconditional” DP: Ale Rubiera, 7. “Yaara” DP: Cheriana Resky, 8. “Persistence of Hate” DP: Nazgul Khalelova
