Iris International Film

Ms. Olhava has enjoyed a thirty year career in theater, television and film. Her highlights include a recurring role on the soap opera “Santa Barbara”, numerous pilots, and an outstanding supporting actress award from the Arizona Arts Commission. For twenty years she has shared her talents with the SAG Conservatory working as a volunteer on-camera acting coach. This profession is eclipsed with that of a substitute elementary school teacher. At last, "Mamochka" marks her directorial debut and won the Best Educational Award at the 2004 Berkeley International Film Festival.

Yuri’s performing career began in the former Soviet Union, where he traveled the country and much of Eastern Europe performing with the music and comedy group LIMPOPO. His talents include the accordion (bayan), guitar, vocals, and amazing acrobatics. Since 1991, LIMPOPO has been performing throughout the United States and Canada wowing crowds of all ages with Russian melodies, dancing and humorous renditions of American favorites.

President Ronald Reagn and first lady, Nancy Reagan have enjoyed LIMPOPO’s celebration in music during a private welcoming party for the Gorbachevs. His film credits include “Blade 2”, “15 Minutes”, and “Armageddon”.

Founded in 2003, Iris International Film an independent production company which brings quality entertainment to children. This small creative family was formed to provide intelligent films for children by adapting folktales to the big screen. Providing an alternative to mainstream Hollywood films by giving young actors the spotlight on screen. Each January, Iris International Film and The Mary Picford Foundation sponsor the Gone With The Film Festival.

Iris International Film presented the American Film Institute with a screening and educational forum for young actors, featuring the cast and producers. In addition to "Mamochka" - A Russian Folktale Retold, we are also developing a dramatic short film about a Mexican legend that has pasted from generation to generation which still lives today.

Mario Polanco has produced "Mamochka" - A Russian Folktale Retold, directed by Jody Lee Olhava, starring Emanuel Szumilas, Cindy Clark, Nikola Ivanov and Yuri Fedorko, which won the Best Educational Award at the 2004 Berkeley International Film Festival. This is his debut film for Iris International Film. In addition it has been honored with the Dove Seal.

Maxi Nikoff's long journey to Hollywood began when he left Moscow in 1991 (shortly after the collapse) and arrived in New York City, here he learned first to speak English and about the American Dream. In 1997 Max begins his foray into the motion picture. He attends various film making courses and technical classes and takes parts in independent projects doing virtually everything from sound mixing to camera and lighting work avidly learning difficult craft of film making his credits include variety of independent features and documentaries as well as his latest achievements including two of his own feature film

Peter, came to us as our grip and quickly learned. As shooting progessed he was assigned the duties of Key Grip and trained film students their duties durring production. He also took on the role of creating our "Turn of the Century Russian Village" as we were unable to secure an artist to produce the miniatures for the visual effects sequence of the film. This earned him The Karl Malden Award at the Thunderbird International Film Festival 2004. Has also appeard in films including Minority Report and Red Dragon.