eTurboNews VP Dmytro Makarov knew rising Hollywood star Kateryna Kurganska from his childhood in Luhansk, the currently Russian-occupied part of Eastern Ukraine, where they both grew up before escaping war and finding asylum in the United States.
Hawaii has a special meaning for Dmytro and Kateryna, and this is reflected in Kateryna’s latest production “Two Breaths.“ Dmytro lived in Hawaii since he arrived in the U.S. working with Hawaii-based global media house eTurboNews.
Both Dmytro and Kateryna are now proud US citizens.
Kateryna is adding something to the wonderful world of destination and tourism marketing that goes far beyond beautiful Instagram photos and beautiful promotional videos – and with a captivating story to tell.
American filmmaker Kateryna Kurganska is a rising Hollywood star whose journeys across 70 countries have ignited her passion for visual storytelling and her profound connection to the world.
Through her lens, she explores what it truly means to belong to the global tapestry, capturing the essence of human experience and discovery. Born in Luhansk, Eastern Ukraine, she moved to the U.S. as a refugee in 2014, with Hawai’i being the first place to greet her.
George Lucas, Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, and Ryan Coogler.
The words “Welcome to your new home” marked the beginning of a new chapter and chasing her dreams, leading her to earn an MFA from the prestigious University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, a hub of filmmaking excellence associated with industry names like George Lucas, Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, and Ryan Coogler.
Cannes Film Festival
In a short period, Kateryna’s works have gained international acclaim at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, the Austin Film Festival, the Hawai’i International Film Festival, the Catalyst Story Institute, The Emmys, Flickers’ Rhode Island, and many other prestigious events.
Celebrated for her collaborative approach to storytelling and known for her dedication to teamwork, Kateryna believes that while one can walk fast alone, true progress in filmmaking comes from walking far together. Kateryna brings the most talented people in the industry and top Hollywood professionals to her projects.
Through her work, she champions diversity in filmmaking, amplifying underrepresented voices and shedding light on lesser-known travel perspectives. By opting for real-world locations over Hollywood sets and preferring the lush vibrancy of jungles to the confines of green screen walls, she brings a raw authenticity to her films. This approach not only enriches the realism of her movies and elevates diverse narratives but also underscores the power of film tourism as a dynamic way to target and captivate audiences through festivals and global distribution.
Two Breaths:
Tribute to Island’s Beauty and Underwater World was filmed entirely on the Big Island of Hawai’i, Two Breaths reflects Kateryna’s personal journey through the story of Ava, an 11-year-old local girl confronting her past after a man-made disaster devastates her island. With the help of the island’s spirit, majestic Two Breaths, Ava must find the strength to move forward and leave her home-destroyed island.
The Hawaiian Islands hold a special place in Kateryna’s heart, providing her with a sense of shelter after the painful war in her homeland and a challenging immigration journey.
“As a refugee, Two Breaths resonates deeply with me. It’s about how home is an intrinsic part of identity and stays with you no matter where you go,” Kateryna shares. She emphasizes that an underlying message is the importance of living in harmony with nature for a sustainable future.
In Two Breaths, though the island is fictional, it draws a clear connection to the Marshall Islands and the shores of Teahupo’o—where, fifty years ago this July, the silent aftermath of a French nuclear test left a lasting scar. While Teahupo’o is now celebrated as a site for the 2024 Olympic Games, few recognize the deep wounds that nuclear testing inflicted on island communities, a history Kateryna poignantly brings to light.
Two Breaths’ resonant message, shaped by Kateryna’s experiences witnessing the aftermath of conflict, has earned international recognition, including as a finalist at the American Pavilion during the Festival de Cannes and accolades at numerous Academy Award®-qualifying festivals, grabbing the attention of hundreds of thousands of audiences in just four months.
Kateryna’s work has already gained recognition from Film Independent, FOX, Kodak, Hawai’i Media Inc., Nanlux, Nanlite, Skywalker Sound, Atlas Lens, ARRI, and Luma Pictures. As a practitioner of adventurous content creation, Kateryna and her team produce bespoke branded content for a diverse range of clients, including major tourism brands.
Her passion transcends traditional narrative filmmaking, extending into branded documentaries and branded short narratives—immersive cinematic experiences that resonate deeply with global audiences.
What is a branded documentary?
It’s a type of video content created by marketers to tell stories that resonate with their brand’s mission and values. The goal is to engage the audience while subtly and elegantly integrating the brand. This method can range from a fully branded film to a more discreet inclusion of the brand’s products within the narrative.
People naturally connect with personal, vulnerable, and cinematic stories. Branded documentaries can provide a unique opportunity to tell your story in a way that resonates with viewers on a personal level—without impositions or obstructions, but in a sincere, sound, and honest way. This emotional bond can transform casual customers into loyal brand supporters and fans.
Kateryna’s upcoming projects include a captivating array of art documentaries, each grounded in the kind of raw authenticity and cultural resonance reminiscent of Anthony Bourdain.
Among them is a film featuring Mitsuki Hara, a world-record-holding spearfisher woman who catches fish twice her size with nothing but a stick; a long-awaited by Kateryna interview with Kurt Chambers, the USA Men’s National Freediving record-holder, and a world champion freediver; and an art project spotlighting a QUEER professional ballet dancer from the MET Theater in New York, who defies conventions by brilliantly embodying female roles. These films offer immense potential for tourism and brand partnerships, engaging audiences through stunning art and meaningful education.
Building a Destination with a Story to tell
For more information on how to tell a story and build a tourism destination or venue with Kateryn, go to https://breakingnewseditor.com/films
