Behind the Lens:
Misha Omelchuk’s Life in Light and Shadow
Misha Omelchuk’s cinematography is more than just a visual journey; it is a delicate balance of light, memory and emotion. Inspired by the masters of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio and Rembrandt, and deeply influenced by his Ukrainian heritage and upbringing in Poland, Misha’s work bridges the gap between nature’s stillness and the noise of a complex human experience. Through his cinematic fascination with light, music and storytelling, Misha transforms film into a moving canvas—where each frame holds its own narrative.
Written by Christian Thevathasan
26.09.2024
Izland Interview: Misha Omelchuk
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Tell us how you first got into film? Is there any particular memory or moment that unlocked that passion for you?
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I was born in Ukraine, where I lived until I was five, and then my family moved to Poland, where I grew up. That mix of cultures really shaped how I approach storytelling and creativity. My journey into film started with photography—I was drawn to the idea of capturing a moment, freezing a single frame that could evoke a range of emotions. But as I went deeper, I realised that still images, while powerful, couldn’t give me everything I wanted. I was seeking movement, dialogue, atmosphere—the kinds of things only film could provide. A key moment for me was when I saw atmospheric Noir films and met Max, who inspired me to explore filmmaking further. That’s when my path shifted from photography to film, and I found it to be the perfect medium for telling more layered and immersive stories.​
How would you say your Ukrainian heritage and personal history influence the way you tell stories through film?
My Ukrainian heritage and personal history have both had a deep impact on how I approach storytelling. Growing up in nature had a lasting effect on me—the vast landscapes, the changing seasons, and the simplicity of rural life gave me an early sense of awe toward the natural world. I try to capture that quiet beauty in my work. Moving to Poland, I experienced the blend of two cultures, and that diversity shaped my perspective on life and storytelling. I want my films to reflect diverse voices and experiences, similar to how I’ve lived between two worlds—each with their own rich traditions and unique ways of seeing life. Another major influence is my fascination with light and electricity, which might sound odd. I’ve always been mesmerised by the interplay of light and shadow—whether it’s a soft sunset or the flicker of streetlights, I’m constantly playing with light in my films to create mood and texture, almost using it as a character in itself. My background gives me a layered perspective that blends the quiet beauty of nature, the vibrancy of two cultures, and a deep curiosity about the way light can tell a story just as much as people can.
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Outside of film, what other art forms or passions do you immerse yourself in? Do they impact your art?
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Outside of film, I have a few passions that help me express creativity in different ways. Designing and sewing clothes is one of them—there’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea and transforming it into something tangible, like creating a character out of fabric. That process of designing—choosing colours, textures, and patterns— is a very exciting way of creating. I also play the flute, which has a special place in my life. Music allows me to tap into emotion without words—it’s about feeling and expression. When I play, I’m in tune with rhythm, melody, and flow. Playing music gives me mental space to step away from a project, letting ideas simmer in the background. Often, when I come back to my work after playing, I find new solutions or fresh perspectives that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. In a way, music helps me reset and re-enter creative work with renewed energy and clarity.
What do you turn to when you need a break from your work? How do these moments of rest or distraction contribute to your artistic sensibilities?
When I need a break from my work, I turn to activities that help me recharge and reconnect with myself. Spending time in nature is one of my favourite ways to step away. Whether it's hiking or just being outdoors, nature has a calming effect that clears my mind. It gives me space to slow down and appreciate the world around me, which often sparks new visual ideas or perspectives I hadn’t considered before. The calmness and simplicity of nature remind me that there is beauty in plainness, and that often informs my visual work. Meditation is another way I find balance. It helps me quiet the constant flow of thoughts and create a sense of clarity that makes it easier to return to my work with a fresh mindset. Meditation also deepens my ability to focus, which is essential when I’m working on more intricate details of a project. Travelling is also another big passion of mine. Seeing new places, meeting different people, and immersing myself in different cultures fuels my creativity. It broadens my perspective and introduces me to new stories, colours and environments, which I often draw from when creating my own work.
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If you could create a dream project to fully explore your visual style, what would it be?
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If I could create a dream project to fully explore my visual style, it would be a deeply personal story rooted in real-life events but told with a mystical and cinematic touch. The story would weave together memory, nature and culture—blending the realities of childhood with dreamlike sequences that capture the emotional layers of these experiences. Visually, I’d aim for something immersive and atmospheric, with stunning landscapes, natural light and carefully composed shots that evoke a sense of wonder. Nature would play a key role in the visual storytelling—forests, mountains, rivers—creating both a literal and symbolic backdrop for the character’s inner journey. I’d use light almost as a character itself, shifting between soft, golden hues and sharp contrasts to reflect the emotional tone of each scene. The ultimate goal would be to create something not just visually stunning, but also meaningful. A film that feels like an emotional and visual journey, where the audience feels completely immersed in the world I’ve created for them. Essentially leaving them inspired by both the beauty of the visuals as well as the depth of the story.
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