We were lucky to catch up with Egor Epishov recently and have shared our conversation below.

Egor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

For me, it’s never really been about a “dream.” I don’t think in terms of dreams, because to me a dream is something almost magical, something that happens by chance. I prefer to think in terms of goals. A dream might be to fly one day — but a goal is something you can work toward step by step, with a plan, and eventually achieve.

That’s how I approached my journey. The path to New York was long, and at first, the idea of studying at the New York Film Academy felt almost impossible. But instead of treating it like a dream, I treated it as a goal. I applied, I got in, and I started building my path in film.

My first student film, The Professional, was the result of that mindset. I spent six months in pre-production, writing and refining the script, preparing every detail. Then came the shoot, and then another six months of post-production, where I learned how much persistence and focus it takes to bring a story fully to life. Now I’m at the stage of submitting the film to festivals, and the next goal ahead is my thesis project next year.

Of course, I don’t see myself as someone who creates art in some lofty, detached sense. I want to make films that matter, but I also want to approach filmmaking as an industry — one that, especially in Russia, often struggles financially. My bigger goal is to help change that, to show that cinema can be both art and a sustainable business. At the end of the day, yes, I want to eat well and live well, but I also want to contribute to something larger — to build cinema that has meaning and impact.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Egor Epishov, I’m 20, and I’m a filmmaker based in New York. I grew up in Moscow, studied there for ten years, spent a year in Switzerland, and then came to the New York Film Academy to study directing.

I recently finished my first student film, The Professional. I like it personally, and it’s fun and interesting as a film. Right now, I’m preparing for my thesis project.

What drives me isn’t a “dream,” but a clear goal: I want to make Russian cinema more media-oriented and reshape how audiences connect with filmmakers, helping to create a culture where films can be both art and a sustainable industry.

Russian audiences have started paying more attention to new voices, and I want to be part of that shift. I also think it’s important to build a presence — in today’s world, it’s not enough just to make good films. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube — all of these matter for getting your work noticed.

Before NYFA, I studied at film schools in Moscow, experimented with YouTube and vlogs, and in New York, I started from the ground up — working as a gaffer, grip, and assistant — to really understand how productions work. That experience shaped my approach as a director.

What I want people to know about me is that I believe filmmaking can combine both business and art. For me, it’s important not only to make my films interesting, but also to develop myself as a brand and become recognizable. I don’t want to be just some filmmaker working alone in a tiny kitchen editing my multi-Oscar-winning movie like Sean Baker. Of course, I also want recognition and success.

I see cinema as something that can be more media-oriented, more open, and more engaging for audiences. I try to create a kind of “family atmosphere” — a strong connection between the crew, actors, directors, and the audience, not just on screen, but behind the scenes as well.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main goal is to make Russian cinema more media-oriented and more open to audiences. I want to create a strong connection between viewers and the filmmaking team, showing behind-the-scenes life — how a film is made, the process, the conflicts, everything that happens on set. I want to take the idea of a “film about a film” to a whole new level.

I also aim to develop exciting film awards in Russia and to promote filmmakers who often don’t think about marketing or building an audience. Beyond Russia, I hope to reach international audiences — Americans, Europeans, Africans — so that my films can be enjoyed globally. In Russia, recognition often comes only after global attention, and I want to bridge that gap.

Ultimately, I want to be a producer and distributor who supports emerging talents, helping young filmmakers find their place in the industry. This vision is at the heart of my production company, DNK, or “Dom Novogo Kino” — the House of New Cinema — a welcoming space for people who want to work together to advance Russian cinema and the film industry as a whole.

Here’s the harsh truth: most people don’t care about how many festivals or awards your film has won. Let’s be honest — winning a few small festival prizes or trophies in a tiny French town won’t make people watch your work.

What really matters is your film itself, and how you show it to the world. Be the face of your project. Make teasers, TikToks, Reels, behind-the-scenes content — anything that makes your audience feel connected to your film. Show why you made it, the story behind it, the interesting moments on set. Do the marketing yourself. Make people want to watch it because of you, not just because of awards or actors. That’s how you build a real audience and make your work matter.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

For me, building a social media presence is one of the most important things a filmmaker can do today. Of course, it helps to have some work behind you, but even if you don’t, you can start creating short, viral content on Instagram or TikTok — fun, engaging videos that show a bit of your journey. Keep it fast, interesting, and authentic, so people won’t get bored.

If you’re a director like me, start showing behind-the-scenes content. Build a content plan, share your process, and be honest with your audience. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Show conflicts, mood swings, frustrations, things that annoy you — while still being yourself. Collaborate with other artists, remake your own work, create covers — all of that helps build engagement.

The most important part is interaction. Show people what filmmaking really is: long nights, disagreements with actors or directors, moments of tension, moments of excitement. Be open about everything that happens on set, the good and the challenging. People like honesty, conflict, humor, and kindness, so give them a mix — not a polished show, but a real look at what you do. Make it interesting, make it fun, make it relatable. That’s how you grow your audience and connect with them authentically.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eg.epish?igsh=dmUwdWY0anR0MmZl&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dnkproduction1362?si=UsKw-ghj24YFborj