Elena Shpak belongs to the latest wave of foreign-born filmmakers making their mark on New York City. Shpak graduated from Belgorod State University of Russia. She was born in Archangelsk, Russia. Although passionate about cinema from an early age, Elena found few opportunities in Belgorod to learn about films. But later, a modeling opportunity in Tokyo allowed her to pursue her goal. Always open to new experiences, Shpak moved to Japan. She immersed herself in the culture and became fluent in Japanese, appearing in countless commercials on TV and in print.

Tokyo was a visual feast for Elena. Exposure to the city’s architecture, cinema, graphic design, and especially, to the tools and techniques of film production, reignited her childhood dream of telling stories through films. Elena realized she had to make movies, and courageously directed and produced her first short film, Hallucination, about hostess clubs in Tokyo.

Moving to New York City, a filmmaking center, was the logical next step for this burgeoning director and producer. With tremendous drive and intensity, Elena directed and produced three films: First Date, Shear Pratique and Land of Opportunity. Her films have been accepted at numerous festivals, including NY Filmmakers, Queens International Film Festival, Rooftop Films, the Clermond-Ferrand and Cineglobe film festivals.

Recently, Shpak has been focusing her talents on directing “spec” commercials, as well. “The Encounter” went on to a short list of finalists in the Pepsi “60 Seconds to Refresh Your Mind” Movie Competition in Barcelona. “Nokia: Connecting People,” was awarded the First Place Prize in the MOFILM Cannes 2010 at The Cannes Lions International Festival and took Second Place overall. Her commercial ad “Mean To Be” for Surf, Unilever took First Place at the MOFILM BFI London Film Festival 2010.

With several films in production right now, Elena continues to explore social themes that are profoundly meaningful to her: contemporary sexual mores, the trials and tribulations of immigrants, and the interplay of work and oppression. Ms. Shpak’s films, shot in a lyrical and poetic style, ultimately describe a world where dreams can transform reality.