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My name is Svetlana, and I am a filmmaker, creator, and philosopher. In Russian, my name means "light," and I bring you stories that illuminate the truths often hidden in the shadows.
Experience the magic of my films, where the styles of New Sincerity and Magical Realism intertwine. These films explore deep emotional landscapes while weaving in fantastical elements that challenge our perception of reality.
I’ve faced obstacles; my projects have been blocked, but I refuse to remain silent. After receiving endorsement from the Arts Council UK, I proudly obtained a Global Talent visa and now call London home.
I invite you to witness my work, which reveals more truth than you’ll find in mainstream media. In the darkest times, follow the light—because art, beauty, clarity, and harmony can save our fragile world.
BAD DAUGHTER
2020, Russia, 24:49'
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/491690797
A story of forbidden love between two female high school students who dream of escaping the hypocritical, fake world of the adults.
Written by Svetlana Sigalaeva, Sergey Shirinsky
Directed by Svetlana Sigalaeva
Produced by Sergey Shirinsky
Photography Direction by Fyodor Glazachev
Sound by Alexander Dubkov, Alexander Pylin
Production Design by Maria Ponikarova
Cast: Anya Patokina, Kristina Kucherenko, Natalia Pavlenkova, Jan Tsapnik, Elena Papanova, Yevgenia Lyakh, Faina Koloskova
THE BREAK
2024, Russia, 24:33'
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/924935916/
When you're 16, you can do a lot during the big break: drink for the low grades you got while defending classmates, bully your secret crush, and make it to grandma's funeral when you never got to meet her. Or finally, confess to your mom. But will mom listen to you when you're only 16?
Written and Directed by Svetlana Sigalaeva
Produced by Ekaterina Ustyugova
Photography Direction by Anton Zhakov
Music by DJ Dick de Monte
Sound by Gurbyat Kerimov
Edited by Svetlana Sigalaeva
Production Design by Alexey Makarov
Cast: Amalia Barysheva, Ekaterina Ustyugova, Tamerlan Asanbekov, Gennady Fokin, Evgenia Lyakh, Alexander Koromyslov, Danila Omelchenko, Anna Galinova, Rafael Hafizov, Marina Kolisnichenko
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
“I am concerned with the theme of mutual understanding between parents and children. The situation between mother and daughter is incredibly complex and confusing across generations. Both sides speak their own languages, not hearing or understanding each other.
With her own problems, the mother does not understand her daughter's feelings and emotions. She relies on her life experience, which contradicts the teenager's worldview. Instead of listening and understanding her daughter, she gives advice, points out mistakes, and tries to control her life. This leads to the daughter closing up inside, becoming distrustful and unwilling to share her problems.
On the other hand, teenagers also speak their own language. They seek to find their individuality, look for new opportunities, and define their own values. They need to be heard and understood by their peers. In addition, teenagers may fear condemnation or rejection by their friends, which makes them retreat and hide their problems and feelings even from them.”
DANKOVA
2024, Sweden/Iran, 30:33'
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/719516108
In the New World, when the weather turns bad, you must wear a gas mask instead of a hat. In the New World, it is very difficult to die of old age, for medicine has reached unprecedented heights. In the New World, a child's bad behavior can ruin their parents' rating. But in truth, the New World is not so different from our present or past. The eternal issues of parents and children, love and betrayal, conformity and rebellion remain. The "repressed" always returns in the form of a catastrophe. Dankova is being treated for her love addiction, for in the New World, they have proven that love is a sickness. Dankova is a rebellious teenager who wants to change the New World, not play by its rules.
Written and Directed by Svetlana Sigalaeva
Produced by Natalia Belyaeva, William Johansson Kalen
Photography Direction by Konstantin Ivanov
Sound by Victor Romanov
Production Design by Marina Shirokova
Cast: Anna Patokina, Anna Galinova, Lyudmila Lisova, Taras Shevchenko, Alexander Mizev, Viktor Kuzin, Pavel Lobazov, Angelina Pakhomova, Evgenia Lyakh, Olga Matushkina
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
“The writer Maksim Gorky created a character named Danko, who tore out his burning heart to light up the way for others. Dankova is named after him. In some sense, Dankova is my personal story told through the language of a dystopian tale. Dankova has a continuation. One day, this short film will help me find producers, allowing me to tell the whole story of Dankova and the New World.”
BIOGRAPHY:
Svetlana Sigalaeva was born on 04.11.1988 in Moscow, Russia. In 2013 she graduated from the Gerasimov Russian State University of Cinematography (VGIK) as a film director. She is the director and screenwriter of 13 short films that took part in and won over 70 film festivals in 16 countries.
“Due to the political situation in the Russian Federation, my new projects cannot be implemented on the territory of my country. Some of my projects and even mentions of my works are blocked and deleted. All of my body of work has a social subtext, and that's why my films deeply affect the audience around the world, and are blocked in Russia.”