Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Timur Guseynov Kateryna Kurganska. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Timur Guseynov, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
KATERYNA: I’ve been dreaming of making movies ever since I was probably three-years old. When adults asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I always answered, ‘Disney!’ Of course, I didn’t realize Disney was a person, not a profession—I just knew I wanted to create the cartoons I loved watching. As I grew older, I realized it wasn’t just animation that captivated me, but the magic of movies as a whole. The idea of creating entire new worlds where you can be anyone—that’s what truly inspired me and became my passion, my purpose.
TIMUR: I’ve always been drawn to stories—whether listening to others or sharing my own. Filmmaking is storytelling at its core, and that’s what fascinated me about movies from a young age. I initially pursued journalism, but my passion for cinema led me to night film classes at a local community college. That experience and the collaborators I met there helped me realize that my purpose has always been to tell stories—just through the lens of film.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
KATERYNA: Timur and I are currently working on several documentary projects that we’re passionate about and are also developing a feature film. What particularly excites us about documentaries is their power to explore real lives and real issues. It’s not just about capturing events; it’s about revealing the deeper, human stories that often go unheard. What makes our work unique is our commitment to authenticity, in both documentaries and narratives. We’re constantly inspired by the people we meet and the raw moments that unfold. Every project feels like an adventure, uncovering hidden truths and fresh perspectives that deserve more attention.
TIMUR: We love telling stories that are rooted in character, because that’s what makes films resonate with us long after the credits roll. Whether it’s documentary or fiction, we believe that films driven by deep, relatable characters create a stronger emotional connection with the audience. It’s the nuances of human experience that make people invest in a story, and that’s what we want to explore—real people with real emotions, navigating both the struggles and beauty of life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
TIMUR: I’d say these are adaptability, collaboration and storytelling. Filmmaking is unpredictable, and being adaptable has allowed us to overcome challenges and find creative solutions. Collaboration is equally important because filmmaking is a team effort and learning to trust others while communicating effectively is a must. At the same time, never lose sight of the story you’re telling—it’s the heart of your work and what resonates most with the audience. My advice for those starting out is don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes because real growth happens outside our comfort zones.
KATERYNA: Yes, I’d say the key qualities that had the most impact on my journey were curiosity and adaptability. Curiosity has always driven me to explore new ideas, people, and places, which is essential in filmmaking. It keeps you asking questions and pushing boundaries. My advice for those just starting out is to stay curious—never stop learning or seeking inspiration from everything around you. Adaptability has been critical. Projects evolve, circumstances change, and being able to adjust and pivot when necessary is invaluable. For those just starting out, I recommend staying flexible and open to change—whether it’s a new way of working or an unexpected direction for your project.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
TIMUR: I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible people guide me along the way. My grandfather sparked my love for storytelling by reading and telling stories to me as a child and taking me to our local vintage cinema, where I first fell in love with movies. My parents taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, showing me that no matter how tough things get, you push through. I’ve also been lucky to meet certain people in the industry who opened doors when I knocked, offering advice and support when I needed it. Meeting my wife and collaborator, Katya, at USC film school has been one of the most meaningful experiences and together we push and support each other creatively and in life.
KATERYNA: I feel profoundly lucky and grateful for the inspiring people I’ve encountered throughout my journey in the film industry so far. These incredible individuals have challenged, supported, and encouraged me to reach beyond my limits. Through their wisdom, creativity, and simply by being themselves, they’ve shaped who I am and the work I create. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their influence, and I remain inspired by the connections I’ve made and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from them. And to my husband, Timur, my lifelong partner and creative collaborator, I am endlessly thankful to learn and grow alongside him.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: listed under “Other”
- Other: Kateryna’s Instagram: @katyakurganska
Timur’s Instagram: @timursguseynov
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