Hi, my name is Anita – I’m a filmmaker, writer, and storyteller originally from the Balkans and now based in Belfast. Ever since I was a little girl, I was captivated by the myths and folktales my family passed down – stories filled with fairies, golden apples, and the shadowy figure of Baba Roga. These tales shaped my imagination, and today, they’re the foundation of my new short film: Whispers from the Woodlands.

This 20-minute dark fairytale is a deeply personal project. It blends Slavic folklore with emotional storytelling to explore themes of motherhood, identity, and transformation. At the center is a mother and daughter whose lives are forever changed when a haunting presence from the forest returns. It’s a story of loss, of love, and of ancient magic – with a modern cinematic twist.

I’m passionate about telling stories that reflect where I come from – the emotional depth, the rich tradition, and the forgotten magic. This short film is not just a creative project; it’s a way of preserving and reimagining folklore for a new audience.

What your support will help with:

Paying cast and crew fairly

Location rental and set design

Prosthetics, makeup, and costumes

Equipment hire

Catering and transport

Post-production costs (editing, sound, score, etc.)

We are set to begin filming in September 2025 in Belfast with a passionate local team. But to make this dream a reality, I need your help. Independent filmmaking can be incredibly rewarding, but also incredibly tough – especially without big funding. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to sharing this story with the world.

If you can’t donate, you can still help by sharing this page and spreading the word. Thank you for believing in this story and in me. Let’s bring Whispers from the Woodlands out of the shadows and into the light.

With gratitude,

Anita