Andriy Mykhnyuk is not afraid of a challenge. In fact its the challenge that first attracted him to directing, when he spotted a filmmaking competition and decided to enter. Since then he’s been studying at the Belarussian Academy of Arts in Minsk and his latest film, co-created with DOP with Ruslan Fedotow, is an action-packed spot co-created with an unexpected punchline. We caught up with Andriy to find out more.
How did you first come up with the idea for the spot?
We met with my DoP, drank some wine and in 2 hours we had 3-4 nice ideas for a social ad. We took part in the contest and we needed to create a concept and pitch it next day.

What was the most challenging thing about making the film?
The most challenging thing was to find a location to shoot, because we shooted in Minsk (Belarus). There are really no locations for our concept so it was very complex.

What first attracted you to filmmaking?
I saw a video contest on the internet 4 or 5 years ago. I watched some entries and decided to try take part. So I made my first video and than there was another contest and so on.

Where did you first meet Ruslan Fedotow, your collaborator and DOP on the spot?
We first met at my apartment in Minsk. Ruslan was an experienced DoP at that moment, he told me about Academy of Arts, shared some of his ideas and plans.

You are currently a student at the Belarussian Academy of Arts – what do you hope to do once you graduate?

My very big dream is to study in Germany or somewhere else in Europe. I think film academies in Germany are very good and competent. I hope this one will come true someday.

What inspires you?
6. First of all, films by Lars von Trier, Jim Jarmush, Gus van Sant and Darren Aronofsky. Music inspires me too (Interpol, Bloc Party,The Kooks, Kaiser Chiefs, White Rose Movement, Crystal Castles and others).