Documentary filmmaker Sasha Kapustina is one of the most ambitious, tireless women we’ve ever come across! The project that has currently caught the keen eye of GO Magazine is a documentary she’s producing and directing called “I Clown You” and yes, it’s about clowns, babe.
But not ordinary birthday-party-clowns, the amazing medical clowns in Israel.
According to the “I Clown You” website, “‘I CLOWN YOU’ explores the liberating and healing powers of the art of folly through the stories of medical clowns in Israel. Yes, medical clowning is an actual job. A medical clown is a proper clown (red nose, huge shoes ‐ the works) who has received special training somewhat similar to nursing and works in a hospital. The basic idea is simple – to make the experience of being in a hospital less traumatic for everyone – patients, both kids and adults, their loved ones, and also the medical staff. Balloons and bubbles are of course innate to the job but there many more layers to this seemingly simple play.”
After living in Israel Kapustina was so taken with the concept of medical clowns that she decided to dedicate years of her life making a documentary about them and their unique career.
And she’s well-equipped to take on the job.
Born and raised in Moscow, Russia she worked for Leopolis, a film production company based out of Moscow. She served as head of the legal department and as a producer on the production of several feature films involving major Russian talent.
In 2010 she relocated to Los Angeles, and together with her partner (as in documentary filmmaking partner, not “lover” partner), Masha Tishkova started the “Goldfish Film Distribution Company” to bring Russian films to Israel. In 2010-2014, Sasha wrote and produced several short films. This hyper-bright babe, holds a law degree from the State University Higher School of Economics (Moscow, Russia) and an MFA in Film Producing from the New York Film Academy (Los Angeles). And she is a Fulbright Alumna.
Today we decided to interview this ambitious lady for “Seven Minutes In Heaven.”
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Sasha Kapustina: Right now I’m a documentary filmmaker who is currently working on a film about clowns. Who work in hospitals. In Israel.
GO: What is the driving force behind your career/activism?
SK: I would love to live in a world where people appreciate each other. Even when they don’t understand or don’t like each other.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
Louie CK and Tig Notaro’s stand-up, Marc Maron and Sam Harris’s podcasts, Elysian park trails and Fiona Apple’s songs.
GO: Who is your biggest queer lady role models?
Frida Khalo.
GO: Describe yourself in three words?
Beside. My. Self.
6. What music are you listening to right now?
John Coltrane, Tchaikovsky, and Fiona Apple. I also listen to a ton of Israeli music for the film I’m working on.
What Do You Think?