Growing up in Russia where rhythmic gymnastics was the most popular girls sport, director Dina Burlis didn’t think about its lack of diversity. But when Dina met Nastasya, that all changed. In learning Nastasya’s story, she came to realize that Nastasya was the first African American to compete internationally, winning countless medals, and had her sights set on filling the one of two spots on the U.S. 2020 Olympic team. Dina wondered how it feels for a person to look different in a sport and how it might influence their performance and results. Dina created the documentary BREAKING BOUNDARIES to capture Nastasya’s history-making journey, and to share Nastasya’s tireless efforts in overcoming the emotional, physical and financial challenges along the way. After working in banking for ten years, Dina took a leap of faith and enrolled in UCLA’s Professional Producers Program. She has since completed the MFA Production Program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Dina found her passion in documentary. Dina’s first feature JOY WOMACK: THE WHITE SWAN (2022) follows a young Texan ballerina’s journey to becoming the first American dancer to sign and dance with the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia. The film was released theatrically in the UK (101 Films), the United States (Film Movement), as well as digitally in Russia (Capella Film). It received great reviews, including The New York Times. Dina is passionate and experienced in telling stories about inspiring women making their dreams come true.