NY Elite: Congratulations on being an ISC finalist. What does it mean for your work to be selected at the International Screenwriting Competition in New York?

Diana Chemeris: It means that I did a great job. The selection is a sign that I have high chances to write a great script and see it getting alive on the big screen one day and influence a lot of people. It guides me to continue my work.

NY Elite: Can you tell us about the work that you participated with at ISC? What is the story about?

Diana Chemeris: The script is called “D-Emotion”. Magi, after an accident, has a strong connection with Dario. Dario tries to help Magi, to pursue her old forgotten dream of becoming a great pianist. Dario also tries to convince her to accept his loss and move on, because he died in that accident. After a trial in an audition, Magi meets Nick and gets into his band. She manages to forget Dario, but deep inside she refuses to let him be in peace. Dario becomes her demon that she can’t escape. The story refers to inner demons and thoughts patterns that we give them life to dictate our life.

NY Elite: Can you tell us yourself and your artistic talents?

Diana Chemeris: I am Russian and grew up in Greece, so these two great cultures had a big impact on my life. I am a film director, especially in experimental shorts, and you will see me many times playing with my camera. I am a writer, in script and literature, I really like playing with words. I been modeling all my life and just started acting school.

NY Elite: What scripts have you written so far?

Diana Chemeris: I have written all the scripts of the short movies that I directed. “D-Obsession” is one of the most traveled short on international festivals, and the base inspiration for the feature script “D-Emotion”. I have a short script called “Double”, that shows the fight between our other self, the one that is more paranoid and demanding. The scripts that I write, are mostly centered on our inner demons and how to overcome them.

NY Elite: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?

Diana Chemeris: “D-Obsession” was the most intense experience, as well transforming. This short movie was my diploma in film school and I was called to set the whole production from the beginning by myself. It was the first set up and the inspiration for the feature script “D-Emotion”.

“Closet” is an experimental film that I did in second lockdown. It was a slow process of building a movie from scratch, using the clothes inside my wardrobe. It was exciting to find numerous meanings for the recorded pictures. I was the main character as well, and the film gave me nominations as “Best Actress-Model” in Fashion Film Festivals and an Award.

“Regression” is another experimental that I did on my trip in Italy. I was visiting the city of Milan with my camera and was trying to build a story from the historical and urban locations that inspired me. With the right selection of sound, I made a story about a witch hunt.

NY Elite: What type of scripts do you want to write in your career?

Diana Chemeris: I am centered in the inner feelings, cause those feelings build your whole life, some are obstacles which someone need to overcome, because they dictate life and the outcome of it. In the future I am interested to explore the fantasy world.

NY Elite: As a writer, what is the most important aspect of building a character?

Diana Chemeris: You have to own the character, to make it your friend and hear him speak to you. If there is no that kind of intimacy while writing a character then there is no real connection to the story yet.

NY Elite: What projects are you currently working on?

Diana Chemeris: I am experimenting on a new series that I want to present in the near future, hopefully some day on Netflix. Also, I am finishing my literature book called “Different Paths” a love story that discovers the universal use of energy.

NY Elite: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?

Diana Chemeris: I am a master on posing for photography as a model. It is exciting to make a strong picture that in many ways have something to say, in cooperation with a great photographer that have the same vision. I am really proud for the art photography work that I have achieved.

NY Elite: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking/writing?

Diana Chemeris: Do not stop. Whatever comes along your way, you can still create, and creation gives life to you.