Moscow-born videographer Barbara Safonkina’s childhood love for cinema and cameras has manifested as a flourishing career, creating stunning visual tales for brands, influencers and musicians.
Having moved to the South of France at the age of 15, Safonkina who was attending fashion school began carving a space for herself as a social media content creator for small local brands. She reflects on her journey into videography, saying, “Slowly, but soon enough, I started realizing that working I don’t necessarily want to stay working in fashion directly and also 9/5 schedule was definitely not for me. So not longer after I finished my bachelor degree, I decided to pursue my videographer career, and honestly, it felt so right and natural that it didn’t take too much time to really take off.”
Staring off strong working on Fashion Weeks in Paris, filming backstages, Safonkina began quickly taking on brands and filming campaigns before working on one of her biggest projects – for New York singer Olive Louise.
In November 2023, Safonkina filmed and edited the cinematic visuals for Louise’ haunting and introspective single “No Medicine,” drew us into a vivid world brimming with stark Victorian-tinged imagery and feelings of longing. The success of their collaboration brought them together again in January 2024 on the seductive stylings of “Greatness,” building an intricate balance between whimsical and dark moods.A brilliant showcase of her visual storytelling prowess, the “Greatness,” music video is participating in Berlin Music Video Awards 2025.
While Safonkina’s musical projects extended to working with Canadian singer-songwriter Goldie Boutilier on the promo visuals of her 2023 EP Emerald Year, she also worked with Russian ready-to-wear brand Brusnika, filming the brand’s campaign in Paris in February 2024. She has continued to work Paris Fashion Week, collaborating with big brands like Y/Project, Givenchy and Elie Saab.
With an expansive body of work showcasing her talent, Safonkina has plenty more in store for us at the end of 2024 and in the New Year. First, is the promotional music video for New York jazz musician Angela Grey.
Speaking of her upcoming work with Grey, Safonkina adds, “We are also currently in pre-production for a music video for one of her songs from her latest album “Prisoner of Love” called “I wish I could love you less”. This will be a breakup story about a girl leaving long-term relationship to pursue her dreams and goals. Music video will be coming out in February 2025.”
In fashion, we can expect a video campaign for Russian brand Rimarka, capturing the allure of a nighttime rendezvous and another for rising USA brand Dana Bandi tapping into a festive Parisian vibe.
Never content to rest on her laurels, Safonkina continues to polish up her craft and learn new things with hopes to pursue cinematography courses in the future to hone her love for cinema. With hopes of carving a space for herself in film and also cementing her place as a videographer working with luxury brands, this is a fierce talent who continues to forge ahead with passion, dedication and resilience.
Connect with Barbara Safonkina : Instagram
