Actress Oksana Zemlyanikova Discusses Voronezh, Mentalistka Role

In two weeks, the mystical series «Mentalistka» (16+) will premiere on TV-3. The lead roles are played by Alexandra Nikiforova and Makar Zaporozhsky, and Oksana Zemlyanikova, who graduated from the acting faculty of the Voronezh State Academy of Arts, appears in a supporting role.

According to the series plot, psychologist Polina Mikhailova (Alexandra Nikiforova) has an unusual gift: she can see the past when she touches people and objects. Hiding the truth about her extrasensory abilities, Polina passes them off as professional skills of a mentalist and gets a job at the police to track down her missing sister.

Oksana Zemlyanikova plays the role of Elena, the mother of one of the characters. The actress not only studied in Voronezh but also performed for several years at the A. Koltsov Drama Theatre. Now living in Moscow, she is an actress and producer, and runs her own film school, where she serves as director and one of the founders.

She says about filming the series:

«I have been familiar with the project «Mentalistka» since the pilot episode was filmed. When the script appeared, I was offered the role of Elena, the mother of one of the characters who gets into a very unpleasant situation. For the sake of her child, she is ready to do anything. Fortunately, the main character of the series appears in their lives… The atmosphere on set was amazing, director Ruslan Paushu is incredibly talented, warm-hearted and open, we all adore and appreciate him. The way he knows how to energize everyone — that is priceless.»

The actress has only the warmest memories of Voronezh. In addition, she still keeps in touch with her classmates.

«Voronezh gave me warmth, love, grit, and of course acting education. Our teachers instilled in us the idea that only you yourself can give yourself everything you want, and everything is in your hands. After graduation, my classmates scattered in all directions. But nevertheless, we still keep in touch, remain friends, and even became relatives, baptizing each other«s children. We maintain the Voronezh atmosphere even in Moscow. We periodically meet as an alma mater, support and help each other, and do our best to promote one another. As they say, one»s own don«t abandon their own! And I go through life with one phrase: »A person needs a person…« so appreciate those who are with you!»

The first episode of the series will air on February 16 at 6:00 PM.