Maria Golubkina recently opened up about her boundaries and beliefs in a wide-ranging interview, revealing how she navigates artistic collaboration with directors she regards as true creators. She spoke candidly about what kinds of roles she would avoid and what she would embrace when a filmmaker demonstrates a genuine artistic impulse.
In a conversation with Valeria Gai Germanika, Golubkina was asked which roles she would refuse. Her answer reflected a clear line drawn between crass or low-quality productions and projects she views as artful expression. She explained that she would probably decline participating in a bad movie. Yet, when a director who respects cinema as an art form invites her, she is willing to adapt and follow the artistic vision that person brings. She described such directors as painters and likened the filmmaking process to painting on a canvas, where the director guides the frame in a way that reveals deeper truth. The image of Rubens and the iconic depiction of nude figures came up in the discussion, serving as a metaphor for how she perceives the power of visual storytelling when executed by a master hand.
Golubkina also described a personal boundary about what she would do on set to honor her craft and beliefs. She mentioned that she would consider sleeping in a coffin if the role demanded it and the filmmaker presented a credible, respectful artistic justification. This willingness illustrates how far she is prepared to go in service of a role, while still maintaining a sense of faith without superstition. She noted that she tends to work predominantly in social dramas and has not usually been drawn to mystical or supernatural genres where such coffin scenes sometimes appear. The distinction she makes underscores her dedication to stories that reflect social realities and human experience rather than pure genre thrills.
Previously, Golubkina expressed a firm stance on character and behavior in the industry. She identified greed as the most unacceptable trait among men, highlighting a commitment to integrity and artistic sincerity over financial gain or opportunistic approaches. This perspective helps frame her choices in cinema as ones guided by values that protect the creative process and the people involved in it. Her emphasis on authenticity resonates with audiences who connect with performances grounded in genuine emotion and ethical collaboration.
Across these reflections, Golubkina presents a portrait of an artist who weighs each project on its merits, prioritizing directors who treat cinema as an expressive art form and seeks roles that illuminate meaningful social narratives. This approach positions her as a thoughtful contributor to contemporary cinema, one who respects both the power of the image and the responsibility that comes with depicting human experiences on screen. The discussion also reinforces a broader dialogue within the industry about artistic risk, personal boundaries, and the evolving relationship between creators and the audiences they aim to move.