“Alexander Zhuravel is a writer and filmmaker based in Atlanta USA. His films premiered at SXSW, Atlanta and Cucalorus film festivals, featured in Film Comment Magazine, Staff Picks on Vimeo and HIGH Museum of Art.”

My goal is to create moments on film that transcend the expectations and  lift up the consciousness of the viewer. To tell stories inspired by real communities and highlight unique and underprivileged individuals. Reflecting on my personal journey and the experiences of the people around me, led me to see great importance in storytelling through film. The cinematic form allows for a more introspective and expressive language that transcends social and cultural barriers. In my work I seek to inspire and bring wonder, through an expressive look at our world.  

My recent documentary films focus on creatives and artists in my immediate community. Exploring their respective art forms with their unique approach and vision; what inspires and drives these artists to create, in spite of the obstacles they face. These documentary films highlight the people who strife to step outside of their comfort zone and want to explore a vision for the future. I aim to focus on the most expressive and transforming elements of their personal stories, and help the audience to be immersed in their vision. To share with the audience the environment in which they create.  

My narrative films are expressive and gentle in their emotional tone. Layered with ethereal atmosphere and striking imagery. Exploring worlds of dreams and places not yet created. The goal of my films is to transcend the usual and the mundane, and to bring in the viewer a feeling of wonder and emotional resonance. The stillness of time and importance of each moment, play a big role in my work. Soundscapes that weave with images to form a single vision, which captures the imagination of the viewer. The stories which are symbolic and mysterious, whose true intent and meaning should be felt rather than understood.

In my writing work I look for inspiration and ideas that have been with me for a long time. By exploring their nuance and meaning, it allows me to have a better understanding and approach for my writing, even before I start putting words to the page. The writing creates worlds and temperaments that come from one mind but aspire to reflect in many. Sometimes the most private and subtle could be the most universal and meaningful to others. It is my goal to share with my audience ideas and images that I find fascinating and needing to exist.

- Alexander Zhuravel 

About

He was commissioned to create a film installation for Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport, which is currently exhibiting this work. He is the founder of the documentary film series titled Artist Film Series, that focuses on creatives and artists in his community. These films focuses on the inspiration and drive behind creative expression; and the tribulations in the life of practicing artists. Two of his films premiered at the SXSW festival at the same year; Kelly and LaDonna are now available on Vimeo steaming service. He has also directed music videos, performance art films, and commercials.

Alex has worked with Volunteers of America to create a three part video series that highlights the organization’s work in the state of Utah. The films follow the initiatives to help homeless youth who’d found themselves in need of a supporting place. Featuring interviews from Volunteers of America staff, volunteers, clients and homeless voices, who share with us the realities of their lives. The films which document the journey of the homeless youth through the Volunteers of America programs are not available to the public.

Clients and Collaborators

Georgia State University ▪ Atlanta United FC

Mercedes Benz Motors ▪ Deloitte

Soccer In The Streets ▪ Delta Air Lines

Wonderroot Arts Center ▪ Hothouse Inc

Atlanta Journal Constitution ▪ Chevrolet

Volunteers Of America ▪ Mimaki Printers

TiVo ▪ CORT Furniture ▪ WebMD

Intercontinental Hotels Group ▪ Manheim

▪ IHG ▪ Aflac ▪ AutoTrader

Georgia's Own Credit Union ▪ Interface

▪ Theatrical Outfit ▪ Kimberly-Clark Professional

▪ Zep Inc. ▪ Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.

Portfolio

In my professional career I never stayed stagnant and always made my goal to progress in my work. I had a chance to work for many companies and create a variety of diverse content. I always initiate a creative approach to all my projects and productions. For me, a quality product always starts with a passionate and intriguing concept. By having an engaging collaboration with the client, I take each project from its inception to the final delivery. Quality and integrity in my commercial work are the main reasons for its success.

Nonprofit Highlights

Over the past years, I had pleasure to work with many non-profit organizations. These companies ranged from Healthcare Initiatives, Art Programs and Youth Empowerment organizations. Collaborating with individuals whose goal is helping others, introduced me to new ideas and relationships. I found these experiences to be some of the most rewarding and important work that I had done. Some of the highlights from my recent clients are Volunteers of America, Girl Talk Program, Peer Guides Initiative, Soccer in The Streets, WonderRoot Arts Center, and others. 

Center for Women & Children

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah provides a bridge to self-reliance and health for vulnerable individuals and populations who struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness in our Wasatch Front communities. Volunteers of America, Utah's 2019 annual video discusses our agencies focus on substance use disorder services offered through Volunteers of America, Utah's Center for Women & Children and the Adult Detoxification Center.

Family Counseling Center

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah provides a bridge to self-reliance and health for vulnerable individuals and populations who struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness in our Wasatch Front communities. Volunteers of America, Utah's 2019 annual video discusses our agencies focus on behavioral health through services at Family Counseling Center and Cornerstone Counseling Center.

Youth Resource Center

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah provides a bridge to self-reliance and health for vulnerable individuals and populations who struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness in our Wasatch Front communities. Volunteers of America, Utah's 2019 annual video discusses our agencies focus on homeless youth services offered through the Volunteers of America, Utah Youth Resource Center, Maud's Café, and our Young Men's and Women's Transition Homes.

Program Overview

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah provides a bridge to self-reliance and health for vulnerable individuals and populations who struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness in our Wasatch Front communities.

Therapy and Recovery

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah is a human services nonprofit organization with more than 150 paid staff who serve more than 10,000 people across the state each year through programs addressing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. Thousands of volunteers and partners join with us to accomplish our mission to reach and uplift those in greatest need.

The Next Steps

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah is the charity that steps forward to help the most vulnerable suffering from homelessness, addition and mental illness. We work to uplift those in the greatest need, breaking down barriers and enabling clients to transform their lives by leading them to a path of self-reliance.

Their Story

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah is a human services nonprofit organization with more than 150 paid staff who serve more than 10,000 people across the state each year through programs addressing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. Thousands of volunteers and partners join with us to accomplish our mission to reach and uplift those in greatest need. Volunteers of America, Utah provides a bridge to self-reliance and health for vulnerable individuals and populations who struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness in our communities. 

The Help

Volunteers of America, Utah

Volunteers of America, Utah's Youth Resource Center is a drop in resource center and emergency shelter for all youth aged 15-22 at-risk or experiencing homelessness. They provide essential basic need items, 3 hot meals a day, pantry food, showers, laundry, life-skills groups, housing and employment case management, dental and medical care assistance, with access to mental health services on-site. Youth that are working toward self-sufficiency are encouraged to apply for a first come, first serve program named the "Self-Reliance Program." This program allows for 15 youth to work closely with an LCSW Clinician and Youth Advocate to achieve goals toward self-sufficiency as well as guaranteeing a shelter bed while they are on this program.

The Dream

Volunteers of America, Utah

This series of documentary films was commissioned by Volunteers of America, Utah is order to present their mission and resources to a wider audience. The films highlight multiple resources that the organization offers as well as giving a glimpse on their current clients. We hear about their current conditions and circumstances that led to their homelessness. But most importantly these films capture the courage and hope that the youth carries in their hearts. Their pursuit to reach their dream and will not to give up.

Documentary Films Directed By Alexander Zhuravel

The King’s Kit 2020 Season

Atlanta United FC

Seven years ago, the dream of MLS in Atlanta was born. The dream became a reality and quickly captivated the hearts and minds of the 17s and the city. Atlanta United arrived on a mission. It has been resilient, gritty, unbreakable, victorious – immaculate and unwavering. It’s been progressive and unifying. The spirit has been tested, but never broken. The King’s Kit represents our strive for the Gold standard. Gold doesn't define Atlanta, it represents it. Gold is in the city’s veins. Gold is meant for us - because gold is fit for kings.

The Stars and Stripes Kit 2020 Season

Atlanta United FC

In 2017, we landed in the ATL. Two years later, here we are: Champions, rooted in the fabric of the Atlanta. We did what we came to do –– we united the city and conquered the league –– and the 17’s deserves a kit fit for the victors. The Star & Stripes is full of ATL swagger, equal parts grit and flash, both timeless and contemporary. It symbolizes our story – where the spike unites us, the stripes define us, and the New Atlanta is the headliner.

King Peach Kit 2019 Season

Atlanta United FC

Predating the music, the sports, the art and the city itself. Intertwined through generations past, present and future. Forever rooted in the ground we stand on – the Georgia peach. In 2017 we landed in the ATL. Now, here we are, ingrained in the city, its people and its culture. Sprouting from the Georgia clay and branching into every walk of life, it’s in our DNA to connect. As a club, we are united, with allegiances so strong you can taste it. This is the King Peach kit.

Cinematography and Light Design by Alexander Zhuravel

Part One: Overview

GSU Honors College

The Honors College at Georgia State University recognizes the most outstanding incoming scholars by awarding them the university's most prestigious and valuable academic award—the Presidential Scholarship. Presidential Scholars were leaders in their high schools with superior academic achievement, a commitment to service and inspiring personal qualities. The scholarship provides coverage of tuition, fees and housing, a yearly living expense stipend, $2,500 for study abroad, paid research or work study on campus, and individualized classes and mentoring.

Part Two: Bailey

GSU Honors College

Bailey is a recipient of Georgia State University's Presidential Scholarship—the university's most prestigious and valuable academic award. The scholarship program has afforded her the ability to be competitive on the beach volley ball court and pursue her passion for public service.

Part Three: Jenny

GSU Honors College

Jenny is a recipient of Georgia State University's Presidential Scholarship—the university's most prestigious and valuable academic award. The scholarship program has afforded her the opportunity to be a student ambassador, intern at the State Capitol and conduct research with Honors College Dean Larry Berman.

Part Four: Nish

GSU Honors College

Nish is a recipient of Georgia State University's Presidential Scholarship—the university's most prestigious and valuable academic award. The scholarship program has afforded him the opportunity to maximize his computer science and entrepreneurship education by supporting him as he develops and markets his own app.

Part Four: Students

GSU Honors College

Commissioned by Georgia State University, the video highlights four exceptional students from the Honors College. Diverse in their respective majors and interests, the students share with us their path to GSU and reasons for joining the Honors College. We learn about their studies, fields of research and the support which they received from the College.

Documentary Films Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

Joe Camoosa

Artist Film Series

The documentary follows a visual artist and painter Joe Camoosa. His work is equally fascinating on the large scale and its up-close detail. The art takes influence from architectural, experimentation and finding meaning in the abstract. The long intersecting lines, variety of textures and forms, all combine in a un-doubtful striking presence to his work. It creates wonder, and pushes the viewers to create their own interpretations rather than rely on the guidance of the artist. Through the film we learn of Joe’s inspiration behind his ideas. His journey as an artist with and his approaches to his studio work. The film is a day in a life of a working artist who makes it his mission to push the boundaries of the art medium.

Artist Film Series is a initiative of documentary short films that focuses on performers and creatives in our communities. Each film features a day in a life of an artist, centering on their creative work, exploring their inspirations, approaches and ideas. The series aims to learn more about the person as well as their art, and to help the audience better understand the nature and purpose of their work.

Documentary Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

Eleanor Neal

Artist Film Series

The film follows a day in the life of Eleanor Neal, a visual artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her series of ink paintings is inspired by history and literature of the Ossabaw Island near Georgia Coast. Eleanor contemplates on the traumatic history of slave trade and people who persevered through their exploitation. She is inspired by the women who escaped the enslavement and were able to establish free communities on the Gullah Islands near Georgia coast. Their struggle to find strength and survive on their own in the wildness of nature, served as an inspiration and driving force behind this work. Eleanor reflects on the history of her ancestors to better understand her personal journey.

In her work, she seeks to channel these emotions and to connect to the historical culture. Spiritual beliefs and story-telling transitions were an essential part of the Island communities. The intricate line work and color in her paintings is reminiscent of the unseen forces and spirits that would roam the forests of the islands. The energy of the water and complex structure of Spanish moss both serve as an inspiration behind the abstract line-work and scale of her paintings.

Artist Film Series is a initiative of documentary short films that focuses on performers and creatives in our communities. Each film features a day in a life of an artist, centering on their creative work, exploring their inspirations, approaches and ideas. The series aims to learn more about the person as well as their art, and to help the audience better understand the nature and purpose of their work.

Documentary Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

Alessandra Hoshor

Artist Film Series

The film features the artist and musician Alessandra Hoshor. Her multidisciplinary work ranges from digital art, experimental video, classical painting and music composition. We follow her through her creative journey, as she prepares for her live music show later in the day. Alessandra shares her inspiration and approach to her art work. As well ideas behind her painting series “Golden Paradise”.

Artist Film Series is a initiative of documentary short films that focuses on performers and creatives in our communities. Each film features a day in a life of an artist, centering on their creative work, exploring their inspirations, approaches and ideas. The series aims to learn more about the person as well as their art, and to help the audience better understand the nature and purpose of their work.

Documentary Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

LOW Museum

Documentary Film

The film focuses on The LOW Museum, located in downtown Atlanta. The gallery was started by three artists who've turned their residential home into an exhibition space. The gallery is dedicated to cultural undercurrents and underground art scenes in the city. LOW founders visit WRAS 88.5 college radio station to discuss their mission and to learn more about the station's current situation. The following day Jordan Stubbs presents his work "You Tell Me" at the LOW; a collection of interactive sculptural installations that are made from found objects.

Pastiche Lumumba is an artist, curator, and writer living and working in Brooklyn, NY. His multidisciplinary work examines the element of context and its effect on subjective experience. He has exhibited nationally and internationally. In 2013, Pastiche founded The LOW Museum and served as executive director for the next three years.

Theodore McLee is an art and political organizer in Atlanta, who unapologetically situates her work in the frame of radical, intersectional politics. Theodore have focused the bulk of her organizing efforts on projects that aim to empower oppressed peoples through the arts.

Documentary Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel & Arkia Jahani

LaDonna

Thriller Short Film

While on a walk with her man, LaDonna is looking for something new and exciting. The couple spots an abandoned trailer and decide to come inside. This bizarre place strangely reminds LaDonna of her childhood home and they decide to stay there for the night. They make the trailer their private getaway which reinvigorates their stagnant relationship. The romance hits a speedbump as the sullen owner of the trailer learns of their transpassing. 

The film was inspired by real location of an abandoned trailer house. An underground tunnel was dug by previous residents to smuggle out illegal methamphetamines. This unique architecture led to the development of the story of a dangerous place, taking risks and dealing with their consequence. LaDonna and Bill are a couple in real life and had perfect relationship and chemistry for the film. Their devoted commitment to the homonymous characters of the film, contribute a tone of authenticity to the eccentric nature of the story. 

Narrative Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel & Nathan Honnold

Kelly

Narrative Short Film

The film follows Kelly through her day at work, as self-taught entrepreneur. She is a door-to-door saleswoman with a product that she feels will be her key to success. Her determination and vigor drive her to push forth even when the doors in front of her are shut closed. Channeling the well-meant message of her business and self-help books, Kelly knows that her triumph is near.

Narrative Short Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel & Nathan Honnold

Myopia

Supernatural Short Film

Tormented by the actions from his past, an off-duty police officer comes back to the scene of a recent crime. He breaks into the empty house to explore what had truly happened there. Suddenly his whole world is turned upside down, when a mysterious presence inside the house makes itself known to him. Determined to solve this crime and clear his conscience, the policeman ventures into a downward spiral of supernatural introspection. 

The film was fueled by the conspicuous nature of police violence and its reckless nature. The term Myopia means, lack of foresight and introspection, which reflects the attitude expressed by protagonist of the film. Exploring the psyche of a police officer involved in the fatal shooting, led us into the dreamlike aesthetic for the film. Myopia has become a spiderweb of vivid nightmares that symbolize his inner journey. The films deals with the subject of guilt and personal torment. The irreversible action that the officer commitment in his past, now takes a suffocating grip on his psyche. He must face its consequence and find contentment by truly facing the nightmares that haunt him.

Supernatural Thriller Directed by Alexander Zhuravel & Roger Okamoto

Ideal

Poem Short Film

Ideal is a vision of a young woman lost in the forest of her dreams. Burdened by the daily life, she seeks to find solace in her imagination. There she finds her ideal future self and becomes enthralled by this ideal image. This vision inspires her to transcend her present life and seek to manifest her dreams.

The story started to take a life of its own.The images of a young woman who is lost in her dreams began to emerge, as I thought more about the film. Its aesthetic became more gentle and graceful; a visual poem with images reminiscent of dream-like symbolism. With this film I wanted to build upon the ideas I had in the recent years. Day-dreams of my future, and how I envisioned myself succeeding at my goals. I took this idea of future projection, as the basis for Ideal and tried to merge it with the atmospheric and tranquil visual style.

Short Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

Bethlehem

Narrative Short Film

A story of a young girl and her father set in a small Southern town.  Finding his daughter too rebellious, Joseph disciplines her with beatings. He tries to run away from home but is found out by her fathers co-worker Robbie. As her resentment to her father growth she begins to expresses feeling for Robbie. Joseph’s deep religious vigor is shaken when he learns of their betrayer. After interrogating his daughter he learns more that what he bargained and struck if shock. Joseph no longer can let things be and must punish the guilty in his eyes. His daughter and young co-worker awaiting the moment of his judgment.

Short Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

VESSELS AND SHADOWS

Music Video

This music video is commissioned by electronic artist MAKEUP. The dark and downbeat tones of the song were crucial in inspiring the aesthetic for the video. Topics of self identity and transformation translate through the actors on screen. Male and female, the transcendence of gender and its role in our lives. Veiled and hidden in the darkness, the movement of the bodies gives of their emotion. Sexual ambiguous, in a movement of transition between one another. During the song's climax, we see in their unveiling a new life, white and purified. Unhinged and freed from the troubles of their past identities, they are now anew and reborn. A union of two, one and the same.

Music Video Directed by Alexander Zhuravel & Arkia Jahani

Ultimatum

Music Video

This video commissioned by electronic music composer Chris Hunt for his Tomb EP. Ultimatum builds sonically into an emotional crescendo of distorted landscapes. The industrial and aggressive tone of the album brings forth the ideas of isolation, anonymity and stillness of movement. The images are the journey of unmasking through a traumatic destruction. The faceless man is set on an endless journey, walking through desolate landscapes of a concrete city. His is called towards a place that will see his end, hunted my a ghost of night. Veiled in black, the woman is armed a long bow, waits for his arrival. The songs climactic chorus is visualized through the shot of arrow that strikes the mans body. He finds one’s self in the arms of another and finding peace in that stillness.

Music Video Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

Dust House

Performance Art Film

Dust House is a silent story of the forgotten spaces, passing time and memories embedded in the walls of an old house. As the characters move through the rooms of the building, they reminiscent of the past and people who inhabited it many years ago. Their expression comes from contemplative dance, a pure language of their emotion. Through their movement we learn of the relationship they ones had. And of their stories that remained untold. The film presents a contemplative meditation that reflects on the memories and things unseen to our eyes. An expressive reverence to human spirit and its strife to remain. 

This performance art film was commissioned by the Dashboard Collective as part of the incentive to incentivise art culture in the downtown Atlanta. Dust House was conceptualized by Fly on a Wall dance collective. Their unique approach to choreography and choreography inspired them to record their performance in an abandoned family house. Touching on symbolism of memories, aging and forgotten space, they invited filmmakers to make their idea into a motion picture. Fly on a Wall collaboration with film director Alexander Zhuravel created the visionary work titled Dust House. Combining dream-like visual style, expressive colors and solemn atmosphere, the film reflects on the ideas and choreography of the initial concept.

Performance Art Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel

Varanasi

Silent Short Film

Varanasi is a magical tale of letting go and taking steps towards one's goals. The story follows a young woman, trapped in a lonely house and daydreaming of her desired life. Her heart is filled with joy as she dreams of her future, doing what she loves. But the overprotective presence of the house, is holding her from reaching-out towards her goals. The space of comfort is luring her to stay away from that step towards the new unknown. At a dire moment, the girl runs towards the door. She leaves the house of her past behind, by overcoming her fears and guilt. Her poised perseverance and luminous hope, leads her to the reality which she dreamed of for so long. 

The film was commissioned by Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport, as part of the cultural arts exhibition at its international terminal. The airport is currently holds the honor of being the busiest airport in the world with over 100 million passengers yearly. The film exhibition is displayed on over 30 large screens through the Airport international terminal. The screens are located in the main lobby areas with full access for the public. The screenings are ongoing, playing the film daily for length of a full year. The goal of the film exhibit is to enrich cultural and artistic presence at the airport. 

Short Film Directed by Alexander Zhuravel