Career change at 38: Filmmaker Olga Boieru's story
Olga Boieru, a Moldovan national based in Spain for several years, shows that it's never too late for a career change to fulfill childhood dreams.
After a period dedicated to entrepreneurship, Olga transitioned into acting and directing, transforming an old passion into a short film project tackling universal themes of self-discovery and emotional healing.
This desire to tell a sincere story about the journey back to one's true self led to the autobiographical short film "To My Best," which Olga Boieru wrote, directed, and starred in. The Spanish premiere, held where the Moldovan filmmaker resides, also served a charitable purpose.
Boieru confesses, "I wanted people to see this film as if looking into a mirror. As adults, we often forget that we carry an inner child within us—a wellspring of untapped creative potential."
Despite being autobiographical, the message is universal. "I want to be an example that I am just like you. Too often, we live to project an image of success, which isn't always our genuine success. Through the film, I aim to show this path to self and the importance of pursuing our true aspirations," she explains.
A central narrative element is the dialogue between young Olga and adult Olga. "It is vitally important that we proceed from childhood to maturity while actively fulfilling our dreams. Our very life depends on this; it's a powerful energy that motivates us daily," says the protagonist.
Olga's dream of becoming an actress was born in childhood but postponed for years. "When I was little, I wanted to be an actress, but my mother was very skeptical about the profession. I only started at age 38, and everything is going well," she recounts.
For the film, Olga Boieru served as director, actress, screenwriter, team manager, and costume designer. "The core idea is mine. I invited my niece from Germany, Melinda Zimmermann, to play with my inner child. Wearing multiple hats comes naturally to me, as I did when I was running my entrepreneurial venture back in Chișinău, Moldova," Olga notes.
The Spanish premiere took place at the prestigious Royal Circle of Barcelona, an artistic institution with a 140-year history. "The hall was full. I wasn't sure if the audience would grasp the message, but when the film ended, I heard applause. The emotions and tears were palpable; it was a very powerful moment," the artist remembers.
The event also raised funds for two organizations supporting child abuse victims. Olga Boieru now hopes to bring the film to her home country, the Republic of Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
