Maria Ryshenkova
She played in Anna Shapiro‘s Derailed Dollar Baby film as Mila.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Maria Ryshenkova: My name is Maria Ryshenkova, I am from Russia. I am a theatre and movie actress. My main place of work is Russian Academic Youth Theater (Moscow).
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Maria Ryshenkova: I was dreaming of becaming an actress since childhood. Although it was a moment of weakness when I wanted to became a road trucker. My father is an actor so i spent a lot of time in the theatre where he worked (Vakhtangov Theater). That’s the place where my dream was born.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Derailed Dollar Baby film?
Maria Ryshenkova: Anna Shapiro invited me to this project.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Maria Ryshenkova: Whatever we believe we can’t know what awaits us after death. And I think this is what attracts the most. I am very impressed by the ambition of my character Mila, to move forward and go ahead no matter what, despite of this new unknown reality, and not to lose her beloved ones.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Maria Ryshenkova: I didn’t have an audition. Since Anna was familiar with my roles in the theatre, she made me this offer and I was very glad to accept it. I think that it was a very interesting creative experience for all of us.
SKSM: You worked with Anna Shapiro on this film, how was that?
Maria Ryshenkova: I enjoyed working with Anna, it was easy and interesting. She is a very deep, reflective and sensitive person.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Maria Ryshenkova: It was really long ago, about 8 years ago… I remember we with my partner Viktor found out that our cameraman was looking like Hemingway. That was funny and that’s how we called him between us: Hemingway.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Maria Ryshenkova: We are colleagues with Viktor Panchenko, we play in the same theatre. So we are still inseparable. Our last premiere is “Romeo and Juliette”, where Viktor plays Tibalt and I am the queen of the fairies, Mab.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Maria Ryshenkova: I am not a fan of Stephen King, but I adore “The Green Mile”. And I find amazing Frank Darabont’s movie! I really enjoy watching this movie again and again. And I respect Stephen King’s work, he is very professional and talented.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Maria Ryshenkova: Be healthy and happy! Believe in yourself! Be kind and do good!
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Maria Ryshenkova: Thank you, Oscar, for this conversation! I was so glad to look back saying “Wow, this is happened to me! Great!” I consider Derailed as an attempt, a bit immature student work, but at the same time so necessary for all of us at that period of time. Thanks to Stephen King for giving us this opportunity to discover and comprehend the universe of cinema!
