Meet Zhanerke Koilybayeva

We recently connected with Zhanerke Koilybayeva and have shared our conversation below.

Zhanerke, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have to be in the room all the time  because I might not understand English if I lose attention. I need to be the best in the room to get attention and be noticed. I have to dress up in my best outfit so people will remember me. I can’t be just myself; I have to be like a wolf that is there to eat others. I don’t want it, but right now I have to. I can’t miss any opportunities. Maybe if I were in my home country, I would’ve been myself, but here in LA, I have to give it my all.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I just graduated from the New York Film Academy with a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting. I participated at the Marche du Film at the Cannes Festival 2024 with Multivisionnaire Pictures. Now I am based in Los Angeles, and I make webseries for YouTube and earn money from the series I create. I write scripts and shoot them myself. I have a team of professionals that help me do what I like to do. I also write scripts for others and work as a crew member. My brand name is HIKAYA SCENARIO.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Do not listen to people who are not doing what they love; do not listen to people who are old but unsuccessful; and do not listen to people you love if they tell you you won’t succeed. 2. Take responsibility for your life and your happiness.
3. Do it yourself if you want it to be good.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I always look for people to partner with because all of my friends are not from the industry. But I believe that you should have friends with similar interests so you can grow together. I am open-hearted, and I am nice to people. I am ready to help with people’s projects, as it’s my project. Especially to women writers and filmmakers. Don’t hesitate to contact me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Let’s make amazing films together and help each other earn money.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kushagra Jain

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