Beverly Hills Glamor Redefined: The ANAHIT x GOLD BARR Poolside Pre-Show
July 3, 2025
Elena Kugel: Your Campaign’s Secret Weapon
July 10, 2025
Our cover muse, Alina Staicu, is not merely the face of a film—she is its beating heart. As both lead actress and co-producer of Ramshackle, she brings to life a story shaped by silence, survival, and the search for redemption. With a background in psychology and a soul attuned to human complexity, Alina infuses every scene with rare emotional clarity. In this intimate conversation, she invites us into her creative world—where vulnerability becomes strength, and storytelling becomes a quiet act of courage.
You’re both the lead actress and co‑producer of Ramshackle. What drew you to this story, and how did it evolve under your creative influence?
I was immediately drawn to Ramshackle because of the emotional depth of the character, Alexa, and the themes of inner transformation and redemption. The story felt raw, real, and deeply human. As someone with a background in psychology, I’m constantly fascinated by what drives people—their wounds, their survival mechanisms, their ability to change. This project gave me the space to explore that complexity on screen and behind it. As we developed the story, I wanted to make sure that Alexa’s journey never felt simplified or glamorized. Her struggles with addiction and emotional trauma were treated with truth and care. My goal was to help build a narrative that felt honest, while also offering hope.
Taking on two major roles in one project requires both vision and resilience. How did this dual involvement influence the creative process for you?
Balancing both acting and producing was challenging but incredibly fulfilling. Being involved creatively from the beginning allowed me to shape the world Alexa lives in—from the casting to the atmosphere on set. As a producer, I was focused on building a team that understood the emotional tone we needed to strike. As an actress, I was able to dive even deeper into Alexa’s psyche because I knew the intention behind every scene. The two roles informed each other. Producing gave me the perspective to understand the full arc of the story, while acting allowed me to live each moment fully and intimately.
What themes or emotional undercurrents in Ramshackle do you hope will resonate most with audiences?
I think Ramshackle speaks to anyone who has ever felt broken, lost, or at a turning point in life. At its core, it’s a story about personal redemption, self-worth, and the search for peace. Alexa’s emotional journey explores how early trauma can shape someone’s choices—and how healing often begins in unexpected ways. Her spiritual awakening becomes a moment of clarity and strength, not just a resolution. I hope people see this film and realize that transformation is possible, no matter how far off course you think you’ve gone.
Was there a particular moment during filming that challenged you or shifted your perspective—either as an actress or as a producer?
Yes—there was one particularly heavy scene where Alexa confronts her past. It was emotionally exhausting, and I remember finishing a take and needing to sit in silence for a few minutes. I wasn’t just acting—I was emotionally processing alongside her. That moment reminded me how powerful storytelling can be. It’s not just entertainment—it can be healing, revealing, even spiritual. As a producer, it was also a reminder that creating a safe, emotionally aware set is just as important as getting the shot.
Looking ahead, how has Ramshackle influenced the kind of projects you want to pursue next—either in front of the camera or behind it?
This film really solidified the kind of stories I want to tell—ones that are emotionally rich, socially relevant, and deeply human. I’m especially drawn to characters who are messy and layered, who reflect real-life struggles that often go unspoken. I want to continue working on projects that bring awareness to mental health, emotional abuse, and personal transformation—stories that stay with people long after they leave the theater.
Whether I’m acting, producing, or developing new scripts, I want my work to contribute to more empathy and understanding in the world.