Dana Kotenko
Biography
Dana is a Ukrainian actor and filmmaker based in Ireland. Originally from Kyiv, she has spent over three years in Ireland developing her work in film through a degree in Film and Screen Media at University College Cork, alongside acting training with Darren Kelleher at ActorsVision and further study with Jon Witty. While her practice spans filmmaking, production, and movement, Dana considers acting the core of her artistic identity. Her background in dance and movement informs her sensitivity to physical detail and emotional nuance, shaping the way she approaches both performance and visual storytelling. Her creative interests include explorations of female and queer identity, LGBTQ representation, and the emotional and psychological dimensions of character. Working across documentaries, music videos, and narrative short films, including projects showcased at the Fastnet Film Festival, she remains committed to developing her voice as both an actor and a filmmaker. She is open to collaborative, exploratory projects with visual and performing artists, with a particular focus on performance work that values creativity and shared vision.
Known For & Full Filmography2 Titles
Movie - 2024, 2h 15m • as Aine
Take a peek into the unsettling world of “Benji,” where every moment teeters on the edge of suspense. Fresh off the heels of a young couple’s arrival at Ms. O’Donnell’s enigmatic house, we delve into their gripping journey as they seek to uncover Benji’s long-lost archaeological find. With tension mounting and secrets lurking around every corner, their quest promises to unravel more than just buried relics.
Movie - 2026, 2h 15m • as Self
For Out of Frame’s 27th film talk, we took the opportunity to shine a light on the ongoing, unrightful and terrible war in Ukraine while showcasing the work of four amazing filmmakers and artists from Ukraine, who now make their voices heard in Ireland. This was the first Out of Frame session to be recorded. With the war entering its forth year, we decided to turn 'Voices of Ukraine' into a feature length documentary. The audio recorded from our Out of Frame session is featured alongside footage from the rally in support of Ukraine that took place in Cork city, on the Eve of the four year anniversary of the Russian full scale invasion, The Greater Chornobyl Cause annual Chornobyl commemorative service held in Bishop Lucey Park and new interviews from local Ukranian artists / activists.