Larysa Kondracki

While finishing the M.F.A. directing program at Columbia University, Larysa Kondracki first heard about the epidemic of sex-trafficking. A Canadian-born Ukrainian, the topic resonated deeply with her. After learning of Kathryn Bolkovac's fate, Kondracki reached out to her about telling her story, spent time with her in Amsterdam, and ultimately spent two years in Europe with co-writer, Eilis Kirwan, researching the subject of trafficking, and speaking to NGO workers and high-level United Nations, EU and OSCE representatives. This work led to the script for THE WHISTLEBLOWER.

Kondracki is currently based in Los Angeles and has written feature projects for Focus Features, HBO Films, Participant Media, and Showtime Entertainment, amongst others. She has numerous projects in development, including The Count of St. Petersburg, which she plans to direct.

Larysa Kondracki was born in Toronto and studied English and theatre at McGill University. She received an M.F.A. in film direction from Columbia University and directed the short film Viko (08) which played at many film festivals to widespread acclaim. THE WHISTLEBLOWER is her feature directorial debut.

©2010 Samuel Goldwyn Films