Ukrainian artist studying in Manchester shares inspiring message about living life to the full

Diana Bolharenko, a young Ukrainian student living in Southport, has turned her personal experiences into a moving short film that challenges viewers to reflect on how they live their lives.

Every day, she commutes to Manchester to study on an Access course, juggling the weight of global uncertainty with the dreams and ambitions of a creative young mind.

Her latest project, submitted for her Practical Video Production module, is a huge showcase of resilience and perspective. With the ongoing war in Ukraine shaping her reality, Diana chose to focus her lens not on destruction, but on memory, time, and the beauty of living in the moment.

Diana said: “Making this film has been a way for me to express and process my emotions, especially during uncertain times. It allowed me to reflect on personal experiences, such as the idea of leaving home and dealing with memories that shape who we are.

“The process helped me understand how fleeting life can be and how important it is to hold on to moments and memories. It also gave me a space to connect with those feelings and transform them into something meaningful, both for me and for the audience.”

The tragedy of war

“I want people to think about how war can change a person’s life,” Diana explained.

“While the war is the reason the main character leaves her home, the main focus is on time, memories, and the way we live our lives. She looks back on her past not with sadness, but with warmth: because she has something to remember.”

Her reflections serve as a powerful reminder to cherish each day. “Many people keep postponing life, waiting for the ‘right moment’ to truly live. And if everything were to suddenly end, they might realise they don’t regret the things they did, but the things they never dared to do.”

The power of an open ending

Diana’s film invites viewers to interpret its conclusion for themselves. She believes this openness encourages personal reflection. “The open ending allows each viewer to interpret the story in their own way,” she said.

“I want people to reflect on their own lives, memories, and choices, and to take away their own meaning from the film.”

The piece is a celebration of resilience and joy in the face of uncertainty. Diana’s hope is that her work will inspire others to embrace their own lives fully, without hesitation.

Creating such a heartfelt piece wasn’t without its challenges. From selecting the right visuals to crafting a story that conveys both personal and universal truths, Diana poured herself into every step of the process. Her experiences of leaving Ukraine and adapting to life in the UK served as a guiding force, influencing the emotional depth of her work.

“Art has always been a way for me to express what’s hard to put into words,” she shares. “Making this film helped me process my thoughts and feelings in a way I couldn’t otherwise.”

Looking ahead

While Diana waits for updates on her visa and navigates the uncertainty that so many displaced people face, she remains hopeful and driven. Her advice to others? Don’t wait.

“If I could share one message with people who watch my film, it would be this: don’t put your life on hold. Live in the moment, cherish the people around you, and create memories that you’ll one day look back on with warmth.”

“Moving to a new country has made me appreciate the importance of change and adaptability. It’s shown me how fragile life can be, and how different people can have such varied experiences.

“It has given me a deeper sense of gratitude for the things I’ve taken for granted and has made me more open-minded about the world and the people in it. It’s also helped me realise that every new beginning brings challenges, but also growth, and how important it is to embrace uncertainty and find beauty in the unknown.”

Wise words indeed!