Meet Polina Saran | Visual storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Polina Saran and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Polina, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is hard-work and women producers. They gave me support I needed at the beginning of my career, they were and are my role models.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Polina and I am a visual storyteller! I produce videos from start to finish using documentary style techniques. I am inspired by people and their unique journeys. I filmed dozens of stories around the US and my work was nominated for an Emmy twice!
I grew up in a post-Soviet environment, in Latvia and Russia. I remember it as a very surreal and insecure time. My family had very limited resources, and on top of that, I grew up undocumented. As a teenager, I admired art films and documentaries, but I just couldn’t think that it was an option for me.
Instead, I pursued education in Psychology. But this career didn’t last long and at age of 26, I bought one way ticket to London and a new chapter of my life began.
I had a lot of doubts when I started a new career at the age of 30.
Basically, I started a new life: I moved to the US, learned English, got a second BA in Social Documentary. I was taking all the opportunities that were coming my way. It was a lot of work, sleepless nights of editing, writing, learning.
What really helped me to be where I am today is meeting two amazing video-producers, Jennifer Castor and Alexis Kikoen. These women elevated, supported and made me believe that “I can do it.” After their mentorship, I had no doubts that I am on the right path.
Do you or your business have a story to share? Reach out!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friends to Pablos Coffee on 6th for a cup of coffee, for lunch I would take her to a French restaurant Bon Ami, and for dessert I would go to Istanbul Cafe to get delicious baklava, for a cocktail I would take her to Town Hall Collaborative. For a hike I would take her to St. Mary’s Glacier and would also take her to a music show at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If you haven’t heard about Head Room Sessions, you are really missing out… Every month they host a live recorded music and poetry session at Town Hall Collaborative. Check out they line up and come to see the session and meet amazing people!
Website: www.polinasaran.com
Instagram: polina.saran
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polina-saran/
Image Credits
The photo with 5 people in it- Photo by Julianna Photography. Photo of me touching my hair-Matt Slaby