What is the best thing that I love about my work?

What I love most about my work is the opportunity to connect with people through my inner world, which I express in my songs, screenplays, and writing. Through creativity, I can share my thoughts, worldview, personal experiences, and perspective on life, finding a connection with people from all walks of life and all corners of the world. What I find particularly meaningful is the invisible bond that forms when someone reads or listens to my work and suddenly recognizes a part of themselves in it. When someone tells me, “Oh my God, this is exactly about me! If she managed to overcome it, then maybe I can, too, ” I realize that my work has transcended my own personal experience and become something much greater. Perhaps that is the most beautiful aspect of my profession: the ability to use my own stories to help others feel that they are not alone.

What Is My Idea of Happiness?

Before one of the major turning points in my life and my move to Africa, I used to believe that happiness was primarily about financial security, material comfort, and being able to afford everything I desired. But Africa turned my world upside down and completely transformed the way I see life. Being far away from my loved ones made me realize that the most precious things in life are family and the people closest to us. Happiness is knowing that they are healthy, being able to hold them in your arms, or even simply talk to them, knowing that everything is okay in their lives. Happiness is waking up in the morning and realizing that you have been given another day of life, because thousands of people around the world will never wake up again today. It is in moments like these that you begin to understand just how fortunate you are simply to be alive. For me, happiness is now simply about being: being myself, being close to the people I love, and feeling that I am part of this vast universe.

What Is My Greatest Fear?

More than anything in the world, I am afraid of losing the ability to feel fear. Because when we stop being afraid, perhaps we also stop fully experiencing what it means to be human. Like everyone else, I have many fears, ranging from the smallest ones, such as being afraid of spiders, to the greatest ones, such as losing the people I love. But can fear really protect us from the things we are afraid of? My fear cannot protect me from encountering a spider in Africa, nor can it shield me from the inevitable realities of life. I am afraid of many things, but I am not ashamed of my fears. On the contrary, I am even proud of them, because as long as I am capable of feeling fear, it means my
heart is still capable of feeling, my soul is still alive, and I remain human.

What Is the Trait I Most Deplore in Myself?

How often I used to search for flaws within myself, trying to understand why people betrayed me. I constantly questioned myself: What had I done wrong? Where had I gone wrong? What did I need to change about myself? I tormented myself, searching for answers, and sometimes even hated myself, while the people who had hurt me simply carried on with their lives, giving no thought whatsoever to the damage they had left behind. But one day, I realized that the world may not approve of me, but I must learn to accept and approve of myself exactly as I am: imperfect, with a fiery temper, an excessive tendency to trust others, a stubborn streak, and countless other quirks and flaws. I must embrace not only the light within me but also my darker side. I must love myself as a whole, rather than constantly trying to reshape myself to fit someone else’s expectations of who I should be. As for looking for flaws in myself, I think I’ll leave that to other people who have nothing better to do and spend their time waiting for an opportunity to gossip about someone on the internet.

Which Living People in My Profession Do I Most Admire?

As one of the sacred scriptures teaches, “Thou shalt not make unto thyself any idols.” I wholeheartedly agree with this idea. I have never diminished the value of anyone else’s work, but I also don’t believe that a screenwriter who has won an Academy Award or a singer who has received a Grammy is necessarily more talented or intelligent than I am. Success is a fascinating thing, and it is not always the exclusive result of talent, intelligence, and hard work. Luck plays an enormous role in it, too. However, I firmly believe that behind every remarkable achievement stands a person of strong character who has managed to overcome obstacles and forge their own path. That is why I admire not so much individual names or prestigious awards as every person who has managed, through their creative work, to communicate with people across the world and find an echo in their hearts.

What Do I Dislike Most About My Work?

Time. It is the one resource we never seem to have enough of when we need it most, yet somehow it appears to slow down deliberately whenever we are waiting for something important. Being a screenwriter means carrying countless stories within you, each of which has taken an enormous amount of time to create, yet only a few of them may ever get the chance to be heard. And even to have just one of those stories heard, you must embark on a long, difficult, and sometimes exhausting journey. It is not simply a matter of sitting back and waiting for someone to bring your screenplay to life. It means spending years working toward that goal, overcoming obstacles, and waiting for your opportunity to come. Meanwhile, life itself continues to accelerate relentlessly: days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. And therein lies the paradox: while you are waiting for your time to finally come, the time you have been given to live keeps slipping away.

When and Where Have I Been Happiest in My Work?

There have been several moments in my professional life that I can genuinely describe as moments of happiness. During my time in music, one of the most significant milestones was seeing my work recognized on another continent. I am a Russian woman who came to Africa and managed to win the hearts of millions of people through her creative work. When I began my journey as a screenwriter, my first major achievement was securing literary representation. I felt incredibly happy with every new award and recognition at international film festivals, and I continue to experience that same feeling whenever I receive feedback on my work from people in the film industry. For me, being able to pursue what I love and find an emotional connection with people through my work means experiencing an endless stream of happiness.

If I Could, What Would I Change About Myself?

If I were to change even one thing about myself, I might become an entirely different person. Perhaps I would be less strong and determined, or perhaps, on the contrary, even stronger and braver. But I will never know. Would I actually want to change anything about myself? Probably not. After all, it is the combination of all my qualities, mistakes, decisions, and life experiences that has brought me to where I am today. And today, I am happy to be exactly who I am.

What Is My Greatest Professional Achievement?

At this stage of my career, I consider my greatest professional achievement to be becoming the world’s first kizomba performer to sing in Russian and making my own contribution to the development of African music. What makes this particularly meaningful to me is that I managed to bring two different cultures together through music and create something that had never been done before. As for my screenwriting career, I am certain that my greatest achievements are still
ahead of me. I am only at the beginning of my professional journey as a screenwriter, and I still have many stories to share with the world.

Where Would I Most Like to Live?

As the saying goes, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to live in different countries, discover diverse cultures, gain invaluable experience, learn countless new things, and, most importantly, come to understand myself better. Every new place has left its mark on me and become part of who I am today. But, as we all know, the heart of the global film industry is in Hollywood. That is where my journey is now taking me, and I am certain that one day I will call it home.

What Is My Most Treasured Possession?

You might not believe this, but my most treasured possession is a Chucky doll. Yes, that’s right — the very same killer doll from the horror movie, feared by many and considered one of the ugliest dolls in the world. But to me, he is the most loyal friend I have ever had. He has been living with me for many years and has travelled with me to different countries. In all that time, he has never once betrayed me. He is a silent listener, someone I can confide in and share my worries with whenever I am going through a difficult time. Behind his frightening appearance, I see beauty, and perhaps that is exactly what I look for in people, too. I don’t divide people into beautiful and ugly. To me, true beauty lies first and foremost in the soul. And I am certain my doll has one. That is why I consider him beautiful — and incredibly precious to me. Collectors have offered me substantial sums of money for him on numerous occasions, but my answer has always been the same: “I don’t sell love and friendship.”

What Is My Most Marked Characteristic?

That’s quite a difficult question. A star can hardly judge for itself how brightly it shines or how dangerous it might be to get too close to it. Perhaps people, too, are not always capable of objectively assessing their own radiance. But one thing I know for certain: people remember me from the very first moment, and I rarely leave anyone indifferent. For some reason, people in my life seem to fall into two distinct camps: those who absolutely adore me and those who simply cannot stand me. I don’t seem to inspire neutral feelings.

What Is My Most Inspirational Location in My City?

Moscow… How much this word means to the Russian heart, how many emotions and memories it evokes. I would like to describe my favourite place in the city through the lyrics of a song by the Russian band Centr, “Gorod Dorog” (“City of Roads”): “From Red Square, on foot, all the way home. Past St. Basil’s Cathedral, Past the construction site where the Rossiya Hotel once stood. Onto the Moskvoretsky Bridge, And I can feel beneath my heels. The asphalt replacing the cobblestones.”

What Is My Favorite Place to Eat and Drink in My City?

Of the 42 countries I have visited, I have discovered favourite cities and special places where I love to spend time enjoying good food and drinks. In Lisbon, I love sitting at a seaside café with a cup of coffee and a traditional pastel de nata. In Dubai, I enjoy watching the spectacular performances of the famous fountains in the evening while indulging in exquisite cuisine. In Luanda, I love eating mufete at a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Every city and every country has its own little hidden gem for me, a special place where I can escape, relax, and enjoy the moment. But there is one thing they all have in common: my favourite places are always somewhere by the water.

What Books Have Influenced My Life and How?

For many years, I have been reading and exploring a wide range of books on personal development, the art of shaping one’s reality, and the untapped potential of human consciousness. Among them are “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, “Happy Pocket Full of Money” by David Cameron Gikandi, “Mind Power” by John Kehoe, “Reality Transurfing” by Vadim Zeland, and many others. Each of these books, at different stages of my life, has encouraged me to look at myself, my abilities, and the world around me from a new perspective. However, the book that truly changed my life was “Save the Cat!” by Blake Snyder, a book about the craft of screenwriting. When I decided to write my first screenplay, I had absolutely no idea where to begin. I read numerous screenplays by renowned writers, but I still couldn’t understand how they structured their stories or why they made certain creative choices. It was only after reading “Save the Cat!” that the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. Within just one week of finishing the book, I had written my first feature-length screenplay. It subsequently won awards at film festivals and opened the door to the world of cinema for me.

You Only Die Once. What Music Would I Listen to on My Last Day?

If I try to imagine myself in that situation, I don’t think I would want to hear music at all. I would want to hear the voices of my family and the people closest to me. Or perhaps simply sit beside them, listening to the silence.

Who Is My Hero or Heroine in Fiction?

My favourite literary hero is Edmond Dantès from Alexandre Dumas’s novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Despite being betrayed, broken, and stripped of what seemed to be any hope for the future, he managed to find the strength to rise again. He refused to accept the fate that had been imposed upon him. Instead, he turned his own suffering into strength and patiently waited for the right moment to serve his revenge cold. I admire his ability to endure unimaginable hardships without losing his determination and, ultimately, to take control of his own destiny and write the ending to his story himself.

Who Are My Heroes and Heroines in Real Life?

Perhaps my answer will sound rather predictable, but my greatest hero is my father, and my greatest heroine is my mother. They raised three children and made sure each of us received an education, despite the many difficulties they sometimes had to face. They made countless sacrifices and often went without the things they wanted for themselves to ensure that we had everything we needed to build a better future. Even today, they continue to support us, believe in us, and give us the strength to keep moving forward. To me, they are the true heroes. Their love, selflessness, and unwavering faith in their children have become the very foundation of our lives.

Which Movie Would I Recommend Seeing at Least Once in a Lifetime?

Films are a form of creative expression, and every person responds to art in their own unique way. So the films that move me and that I consider, to one degree or another, works of genius may not necessarily have the same effect on someone else. My personal top three are “The Fountain” by Darren Aronofsky, “Inception” by Christopher Nolan, and “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring” by Kim Ki-duk. That is why I would encourage everyone to seek out films that resonate with their own soul above all else. After all, within the first fifteen seconds of watching a film, you can already tell whether it speaks to you or not.

What Role Do Stories Play in My Life and Work?

Stories are an inseparable part of my life. I am a screenwriter, which means I am, above all, a collector of stories. I love listening to other people’s stories — real ones, filled with genuine emotions, personal struggles, and feelings — and then bringing them to life on paper. I find it far more interesting to work with stories rooted in a real person, their character, their life, and their emotions than to invent everything from scratch. It is important for me to connect with a person, to truly listen to them, and to understand what lies behind their words before I begin transforming what I have heard into a screenplay. Perhaps that is precisely why my screenplays feel so alive and authentic.

What Do the Words “You Are the Storyteller of Your Own Life” Mean to Me?

To me, these words mean exactly what they say. I genuinely believe in the idea that we create our own destiny and that our desires can become reality if we truly believe in them. I have written several books about this very subject. But I also believe that it is not only our desires that manifest themselves, but our fears as well. In fact, our fears often become reality much faster because we tend to believe in them even more strongly. I am convinced that so much of what happens in our lives begins in our minds. It is there that we first create an image of our reality, and then go on to write the story of our own lives. The only difference is that some people do this consciously, while others continue writing their stories without even realizing it.

Who Is My Greatest Fan, Sponsor, and Partner in Crime?

Myself. And myself alone. No matter how deeply our loved ones care about us, they may still have a lingering shadow of doubt about what we do. And even the slightest hint of doubt from another person can plant a seed of uncertainty within us, one that can gradually grow to unimaginable proportions. That is precisely why I prefer to move forward on my own, relying primarily on myself, believing in myself, in my abilities, and in what I do.

What Role Do Stories Play in My Life and Work?

Stories are an inseparable part of my life. I am a screenwriter, which means I am, above all, a collector of stories. I love listening to other people’s stories — real ones, filled with genuine emotions, personal struggles, and feelings — and then bringing them to life on paper. I find it far more interesting to work with stories rooted in a real person, their character, their life, and their emotions than to invent everything from scratch. It is important for me to connect with a person, to truly listen to them, and to understand what lies behind their words before I begin transforming what I have heard into a screenplay. Perhaps that is precisely why my screenplays feel so alive and authentic.

Which People or Companies Would I Like to Work With?

As a screenwriter who works across different genres, I would love to collaborate with a wide range of directors, but at the very top of my list is undoubtedly Darren Aronofsky. On several occasions, producers and directors who have read my screenplays have remarked that my style and distinctive creative voice remind them of his work. He is one of my all-time favourite directors, and the opportunity to work with him one day would be something truly special to me. Another filmmaker whose work I find particularly fascinating is Rose Glass, especially when it comes to psychological horror. I feel a strong connection to the way she explores human psychology, obsession, inner conflicts, faith, and destructive desires. At the same time, I would be equally interested in collaborating with emerging directors and established masters of cinema. Choosing one particular company is much more difficult for me. I think every screenwriter dreams of seeing their story make the entire journey from script to screen one day. And for me, what matters far more than a company’s name or the number of Oscars it has won is that unique creative connection between people that makes truly remarkable cinema possible.

Which Project Am I Most Looking Forward to Working On?

Over the past year, I have written what turned out to be quite a large number of screenplays, many of which have won awards at international film festivals. And, of course, I would love to work on every single one of them and see my stories come to life on screen.

FEATURE-LENGTH SCREENPLAYS

1. “All Paid in Full” Genre: Psychological Thriller / Neo-Noir Two young women from Angola enter a world of luxury where privilege is paid for with human lives. When one falls in love with a man connected to a criminal network and betrays her best friend, the other is sold across the border into a remote “sacred house,” where women are held in sexual slavery and sold for their organs. To survive, she must escape through the jungle and return to destroy the network.

2.“Save and Protect” Genre: Psychological Thriller / Political Drama When an ambitious politician is willing to sacrifice his severely ill son through euthanasia in exchange for power, his wife begins a dangerous game. Pretending to believe the fabricated voice of their child, she sets out to expose her husband live on air and save two children.

3. “Reficul” Genre: Biblical Dystopia / Mythological Drama / Psychological Drama / Social Allegory /
Political Parable In an undefined time, a Black God-King rules over a desert civilization. But when his adopted white son uncovers the rotting truth behind their apparent paradise, he joins forces with a rogue scientist to stage a silent coup, becoming the very white savior the people never realized they were waiting for.

SHORT SCREENPLAYS

4. “Needle & Bloom” Genre: Psychological Horror He offered her a rose; she pricked her finger, and now a demon feeds on every high she experiences, turning her paradise into a prison of thorns and fading memories.

5. “After Hope” Genre: Supernatural Psychological Drama / Metaphysical Fantasy After taking her own life, a perfectionist woman meets her personal embodiment of Death, a beautiful and mysterious guide who forces her to relive her choices and face the truth: her next life has already begun.

VERTICAL DRAMA

6. “The Prima” Genre: Psychological Thriller / Dark Melodrama A psychopathic millionaire collects ballerinas, but one of them isn’t a victim. She’s the hunter.

Each of these projects is special to me in its own way. But one will always hold a particularly important place in my heart: “All Paid in Full, ” my first feature-length screenplay, which opened the doors to the film industry for me. It is this story that I am especially eager to see brought to life on the big screen.

Where Can You See Me or My Work?

I am currently represented by the Brazilian talent agency Aura Agência, where you can find my professional profile and learn more about my creative work on its official website. In addition to screenwriting, I am also the author of a five-book series entitled “The Miracles of Lilith, ” which includes the following titles: “The Path of Faith” 2. “The Path of the Mason” 3. “The Devil Within”
4. “Beyond Life” 5. “Snow in June or Karmic Cycles of Life”. My books have been published in eight languages and are available on Amazon, where you can also find more information about my literary work and explore my publications.

What Do the Words “Passion Never Retires” Mean to Me?

To me, time simply doesn’t exist. It is a human invention, created for our own convenience to bring some order to our lives. The universe has neither time nor years, and therefore, no old age. Age is nothing more than a number we use to measure the life we have lived. As long as you love what you do, as long as you feel alive, and as long as you have passion and the desire to create, you never grow old. After all, old age doesn’t begin when a certain number of years have passed. It begins when the fire within a person goes out.

Which Creative Professionals Should Peter Invite to Tell Their Story?

I think it is particularly important to invite people whose stories can inspire hope in aspiring screenwriters and demonstrate that breaking into the film industry is possible without relying solely on connections, personal introductions, or professional networks. Sometimes, the journey into the industry begins with a simple cold email sent to a producer you have never met. It takes tremendous patience, persistence, and faith in your own work. That is exactly how my journey began! But there are also people whose paths have already led to remarkable success. I would suggest inviting Ashley Scott Meyers, who sold his first screenplay, “Dish Dogs,” through direct, unsolicited submissions to producers and subsequently continued using cold outreach to promote his projects. I would also be interested in hearing the story of Chris Sparling, the screenwriter of “Buried. ” His initial cold queries helped him establish a connection with the manager who would later become an important part of his journey toward selling his screenplay. Another interesting guest could be Dina Anne Smith, who uses large-scale cold email campaigns to promote her screenplays and pursue opportunities within the film industry. I believe stories like these need to be told because they remind us that not everyone has the privilege of being born into the right family, attending a prestigious film school, or having connections in Hollywood. But everyone has the opportunity to write a good story, find the right person’s email address, send that message, and keep moving forward, even when hundreds of previous attempts have led nowhere.

How can you contact me?
E-mail: milana.nekruts@gmail.com
Instagram: Milana Nekruts
LinkedIn: Milana Nekruts
You can also find me on major professional platforms, including FilmFreeway, IMDb,
The Black List, Stage 32, Coverfly, Mandy, and LinkedIn, under the name Milana
Nekruts (aka Mila Nova). You can also find me on social media. There is no one else in
the world with my name, so I should be very easy to find.