EXCLUSIVE: Get To Know Actress Rising Talent Actress & Filmmaker Ana Kiri!

Ana Kiri is a rising actress, filmmaker, musician, and visual artist. With a background that spans across different creative fields, Ana brings a thoughtful and honest approach to everything she works on, from film and music to painting and storytelling. Her projects often reflect personal experiences and a desire to explore deeper human themes. Read our exclusive interview with Ana Kiri to get a closer look at her work, inspirations, and what she’s currently working on.

Q: Where are you originally from and where are you based now?

Ana Kiri – A: I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and I currently reside in Miami, Florida, USA.

Q: Rising in the entertainment industry, what motivates you and inspires you to be the best at your profession, and do you have a top 3 favorite actors, filmmakers, or directors that you want to work with in the business?

Ana Kiri – A: What motivates me most in rising through the entertainment industry is the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people across cultures and experiences. I’m inspired by the challenge of bringing authenticity and depth to every role, and by the idea that a performance can move someone, spark reflection, or even change their perspective. The constant pursuit of growth—pushing myself to go deeper, take risks, and expand my craft—drives me to be the best at what I do.
As for artists I look up to, my top three actors are Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and Tim Roth. Each of them brings a remarkable intensity and truth to their work that I find incredibly inspiring. In terms of filmmakers and directors I’d love to collaborate with: Luc Besson for his bold visual storytelling, Wes Anderson for his unique style and precision, and Christopher Nolan for his depth and scale in exploring human themes. Working with any of them would be a dream because they each challenge the boundaries of cinema in their own way.

Q: What would you say is your favorite genre of films (Drama, Comedy, Action, Thriller, a little bit of all)?

Ana Kiri – A: I’d say my favorite films are a blend of genres. I really enjoy drama when it has those unexpected funny or light moments that make the story feel more real and human. And I love comedy when it’s grounded and rooted in truth, not just played for laughs. Thriller and action are probably my least favorite, but I appreciate them when they’re used in service of a strong story. What excites me most is when a film mixes tones—when it can make you laugh, then move you, and still leave you thinking afterward.

Q: Can you share with us something people may not know about you? Any hobbies or other secret talents you have and/or like to do in your spare time?

Ana Kiri – A: I’m pretty much an open book, but something people might not know is how many creative outlets I have outside of acting. I write and release music on Spotify and iTunes, I paint—exhibiting and selling my work—and of course, I make films. But my biggest hobby that isn’t tied to art is flying. I’m obsessed with it—skydiving, paragliding, really any way of defying gravity. There’s something about seeing the world from a different perspective that excites me and reminds me why I love pushing boundaries in life and in my work.

Q: What are some projects that you’ve just wrapped up recently or that you’re currently working on now?

Ana Kiri – A: Recently, I wrapped my short film Baggage, which I’ve been showcasing over the past year at about 17 different film festivals. It’s a film about the things we carry with us and how our stories connect. We often hear the word “baggage” in a negative way, but in this story, I wanted to show it differently—not just past wounds or trauma, but the memories, objects, and experiences that shape who we are. It’s the books we’ve read, the music that moves us, even the funny old sweaters and broken mugs we keep for reasons we can’t always explain.

I also just finished Whistle (or How Long It Takes for Water to Boil?), which is a very personal and important short about domestic abuse. It’s a film about the silence that screams behind closed doors—the kind of pain that simmers quietly, daily, until it’s no longer survivable. Abuse doesn’t always leave bruises; sometimes it takes the form of silence, fear, and isolation. This project means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
And lastly, I’ll soon be presenting my finished short In Between—a story about PTSD, memory, and the invisible wall between those who were at war and those who weren’t. It’s a film I made to raise awareness about the urgent need for psychological rehabilitation for veterans. At the end of the film, I’ll be displaying QR codes for organizations that support this work, with the hope of helping raise funds for their efforts.