“Dreams and love are the only things in this world that have remained pure and not devalued” – Liliya Yatsenko, the lead actress of the film that stirred Ukrainian society this year, "A Prayer of Strangers" (Chuzha Molytva), in an exclusive interview for 2KOLYORY.
Sincere, welcoming, and open – that is the first impression you get when you meet this smiling, vibrant young woman! Our heroine today is Liliya Yatsenko, a Ukrainian actress and the lead in Akhtem Seitablaev’s film "A Prayer of Strangers," which moved Ukrainian society this spring. "A Prayer of Strangers" impressed both viewers and critics, not only with the touching story of Crimean Tatar Saide Arifova, who saved the lives of over a hundred Jewish and Crimean Tatar children during World War II, but also with the caliber of the work performed. Read our exclusive interview to learn more about the film, modern culture, cinema, and future plans.
Liliya, hello! Your character, Saide Arifova, whom you played in "A Prayer of Strangers," inspires people toward mercy and humanity. Your example inspires young actors to test their luck and work on themselves. Tell us, what inspires you?
I love nature very much. It is one of those factors that helps me restore my energy balance. Nature and water are, perhaps, the most important ones. I even live near the water and a field. Also, recently, I have been very inspired by the examples of great women. I am in a period now where I watch a lot of movies and series where the directors and producers are women, and I watch and read a lot about prominent women. And I realize that I am very lucky to have been born a woman. And this is a gift from God, despite all the details and inconveniences (laughs). For about two years, I have been very inspired by the singer Tina Karol. She has gone through great pain and a terrible loss. But I understand that the more we lose, the more we grow spiritually, of course, if one analyzes and perceives it all correctly. Recently, I was very inspired and impressed by an interview with Ivanna Sakhno (editor's note: a Hollywood actress of Ukrainian descent). For a long time, I had planned to learn English to a proper level, and after reading this interview, I immediately went and got a textbook (laughs). And I am very happy that her success does not evoke any acting envy in me, but rather inspires me and evokes gratitude for her example. Because it is a reason to once again realize and be convinced that our people can do anything, and to achieve your goal, you shouldn't be afraid to work hard and dream. In general, dreams and love, in my opinion, are the only things left in this world that are still pure and not devalued.
Since we have started talking about women, tell us, in your opinion, what are the main features of the portrait of a modern Ukrainian woman?
The main feature of a modern Ukrainian woman is that she combines the uncombinable. It is a decisive and strong-willed character combined with such cashmere-like softness and femininity. We live in a time now where a woman must, wants to, can, and should have it all: a family, a career, and a rich social life, and make her own contribution to it. I am currently very interested in social projects. Recently, I took part in a photo project aimed at fighting racial discrimination. Fifteen models participated in the project, and among us were representatives of various nationalities and races. They painted body art on our faces (though I can't disclose what exactly yet), and each photo was accompanied by a slogan. For example, mine was “Be yourself, because all other roles are taken.” In general, our film “A Prayer of Strangers” also touches very sharply on the issue of such discrimination, and for me, it is very important to carry the idea of equality between peoples and nations.
About roles and, actually, “A Prayer of Strangers.” Tell me, how has your life changed after the premiere?
Honestly speaking, it hasn't changed in any grandiose way, because I continue to work as I did before, and I still go to auditions (laughs). The few weeks the premieres lasted were very intense: interviews, press screenings, tours... But this is one goal of mine, a certain bar that I overcame, I ticked the box, and I am moving forward.
And regarding your inner world, when you get tired, what helps you restore your inner harmony?
By the way, I spent a very long time looking for a technique that would help me in such a situation. Until I accidentally came across a post by Masha Efrosinina (editor's note: Ukrainian TV presenter and actress), in which Masha wrote that to gather your thoughts and tune into something, you need to do one very simple exercise every day: just be silent for an hour. I have held this as a rule since my university days, because when you are silent, not distracted by reading or music, you really restore your “charge,” so to speak. Actually, at first, it was very difficult to be silent and not be distracted by my own thoughts for even half an hour, but now I sometimes just need complete silence. When I am preparing for a role, I definitely do it in solitude and in complete silence.
And what advice would you give to look as good, despite the fatigue and travel, which are frequent in your profession, and, especially, which were frequent during your tour with “A Prayer of Strangers”?
Let’s start with the fact that it didn’t all just fall on me suddenly (laughs). I knew it would happen, I prepared for it, I dreamed of it. Therefore, you just need to love your profession, what you do. Besides, nothing is permanent, so as long as there is an opportunity, you need to soak up all these wonderful emotions while you have them. In general, recently I try to live in the moment. Not in the sense of not thinking about the future, but in the understanding that I take all my plans into account, I work on them, but I try to get the most out of every day. Because time flies, and I am trying to keep up with a lot (laughs).
What exactly do you want to keep up with right now, what are your immediate plans?
They say, if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. But I will tell you anyway (laughs). I am currently working with children, and in “A Prayer of Strangers,” we always had a lot of children on set. So, I had an idea to open my own children’s school of acting. I don’t know yet how or when it will be realized, but I want to start small. Maybe later it will develop into some courses for adults. In addition, I have long wanted to get into business, but I cannot break away from creative work for a long time, and the realization of this idea would be a good combination of my own business with creativity. And I have also long dreamed of opening my own brand for designing hats. It is still complicated, so for now, I just buy from our local ones (laughs).
And apart from fashion and cinema, what else fascinates you in modern Ukrainian culture?
Our music industry is developing very powerfully. A wonderful example of this is the performer of the soundtrack to “A Prayer of Strangers” and the singer who brought Eurovision to Ukraine – Jamala. But she is not the only artist of such a high level — I cannot help but note the work of Onuka, Monatik... The Ukrainian film industry is feeling a similar rise. We have many young talented artists, and one cannot help but be proud of that. I really like our painting. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to paint myself, but I enjoy it with pleasure.
Share your impressions about “A Prayer of Strangers” now, when you can exhale a little and structure your emotions and conclusions after the screenings and the theatrical run that shook the entire country?
Actually, we can't really exhale yet (laughs), because we still have festival screenings ahead. For me, this is a very special work, very valuable. This is my pride. I had many projects before this film, but “A Prayer of Strangers” is my foundation, from which everything starts for me. I remember how we were driving to the premiere, and I felt that my childhood dream had come true – the dream of a little girl who wanted to one day have a film in which she would play the lead role, which would be shown in movie theaters. And I am still a hopeless dreamer and I will remain one.
At the beginning of our conversation, you said that lately, you have been watching many films directed by women, so I cannot help but ask, whose film would you like to act in one day, is there such a dream?
Oh, yes! I really admire the work of Reese Witherspoon; I am a fan of their joint project with Nicole Kidman, “Big Little Lies.” They appeared in it not only as actresses but also as producers and co-writers. And I really like this trend: they don’t stand still; they test themselves in new roles, taking on scriptwriting, directing... It is very cool, and in the future, I would also be happy to try myself in such a role. I was also very impressed by Angelina Jolie’s work on the film “By the Sea.” It seemed a bit abstract to me, but that is her female vision of the world, and I really like that vision. It’s not just about femininity in cinema; I generally think that women see the world as more beautiful.
Anything you want to say to our readers in conclusion?
I would rather like to thank all those people who have crossed my path, and I have met so many kind people who have helped me and continue to help me. But still, if you don’t believe in yourself, no one will believe in you. I am sure that you always need to believe and do, and not be afraid, because fear takes away too much of your inner strength. So, in closing, I would like to say that if a person believes, everything is possible.
Dresses – 2KOLYORY brand
Footwear – Workshop of bright footwear «Khameleon» and Kaptsi
Photographer – Lesya Zadorozhna
Makeup and hair: Ksyusha Halchenko and Nadiya Monko
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