Arina Adju, born in Moscow in 1996, is of both Russian and Syrian Kurdish descent. As a filmmaker and actress, her work delves into themes of identity and belonging, while also examining the profound impact of war on individuals and society.
In 2010, she began her career by playing the lead role in Maria Saakyan's feature film "I'm Going to Change My Name", (2013), which earned her the Best Actress award at the A l'Est du Nouveau festival in 2014.
Education and Degrees:
2015: Graduated from the Marina Razbezhkina and Mikhail Ugarov School of Documentary Film and Theatre.
2017: Completed a Certificate from the LA FEMIS Summer Film School.
2024: Graduated with a Master’s degree in Creative Documentary from the University of Grenoble Alpes and Ardèche Images.
Experience:
In 2016, Young Filmmakers for Peace Program at the GoEast Film Festival.
In 2017, Director of documentary videos, ROMB MEDIA; LA FEMIS Summer Film School.
In 2018 - 2019, CPH:DOX Academy Program; Editing a feature film, ANNIKO FILMS; IDFA Academy Program.
In 2022, Audiovisual Residency at Stroom, The Hague, as part of the Artist At Risk program, as a guest artist.
In 2023 - 2024, Artistic Residency Pause program, ESAD Valence, working with students on video as a guest artist.
Works:
“Body,” documentary short film, 19 min, 2015. Artdocfest 2015; Parnu International Film Festival 2016, Student Competition.
“All Roads Lead to Afrin,” documentary short film, 36 min ,2016. Competing film: at Visions du Réel International Film Festival 2017 Medium-Length International Competition, at GoEast International Film Festival 2017 (Official Competition).Distribution by Torch Films, USA. Screenings in the Netherlands, Germany, Armenia, and Russia.
“A Fragile World,” documentary short film, 10 min, 2017. Presented in Paris at La Femis film school.
“Message Across the Sea,” documentary short film, 2022, 15 min, presented in Rotterdam at the WORM Cinematic Center.
“Looking Back on My Lost Homeland,” photo and video installation, 2022. Presented at Stroom art center, The Hague.
"Route 104", documentary short film, 22 min, 2024. Official competition 7ème Lune International Film Festival.
