Ukrainian director, screenwriter, and video editor Aleksandra Grīnšteina, currently based in Paris, exemplifies the modern experience of displacement and the complex identity shifts that follow. Her work highlights how the “liminal state”—a period of being between past and future—shapes both personal growth and artistic expression for those forced to leave their homes due to war.
How Displacement Redefines Artistic Identity
For Aleksandra Grīnšteina, movement across borders—including stays in Georgia, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain—was a necessity driven by the conflict in Ukraine rather than a choice. According to her, the mental strain of living under wartime conditions became unsustainable, eventually leading her to relocate to France. This transition has turned the “liminal state” into the central axis of her creative practice, where she explores the challenge of reconciling a former identity with a new, evolving self.
Why Cultural Communication Styles Conflict
A significant hurdle in the integration process is the difference in social norms, particularly regarding “small talk.” Aleksandra notes that while she initially felt a kinship with European approaches to life, the reality of living in France revealed distinct cultural gaps. She observes that Ukrainians often favor direct, deeply personal conversations, which can sometimes perplex French interlocutors who are accustomed to more conventional social scripts.
This creates a sense of duality: the struggle to determine if a connection is genuine or merely a display of politeness. For many in exile, this process is an ongoing, never-ending aspect of personal growth that requires constant reflection and navigation of unfamiliar social expectations.
The Role of Loneliness in the Immigrant Experience
Loneliness is a persistent companion to life in exile, often described by Grīnšteina as feeling like one belongs to a “different species.” This isolation is not just about physical distance from one’s homeland, but the psychological distance from a new environment where the old rules of engagement no longer apply. Her films and scripts serve as a medium to process this solitude, turning the internal experience of “being in the middle” into a shared narrative for others navigating similar transitions.
Did you know?
The name Aleksandra, of Greek origin, translates to “defender of man” or “protector of man.” It is a compound of the Greek words alexein (to defend) and aner (man), a fitting etymological backdrop for those who find themselves defending their own sense of self amidst global upheaval.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “liminal state” in the context of displacement? It is the experience of being caught between two worlds—having lost the connection to a previous life while not yet feeling fully integrated into a new one.
- How does cultural directness impact integration? Differences in communication styles, such as the preference for deep, personal topics over “small talk,” can lead to misunderstandings or feelings of alienation in a new country.
- Can art help in processing the trauma of migration? Yes, creators like Aleksandra Grīnšteina use filmmaking and screenwriting as tools to reflect on their experiences, helping to bridge the gap between their past and future selves.
Have you ever had to rebuild your identity in a new country or environment? Share your experiences in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more stories on how personal narratives intersect with global changes.
