Los Angeles, CA (July 29th, 2026). The Impression is a powerful new live-action short starring Ukrainian actress and model Liliia Halushko. The film will celebrate its World Premiere at the 22nd Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival. The date is August 18th at 10PM, at Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. Written and produced by Valerie McCaffrey, The Impression is an emotionally gripping action-drama that showcases Halushko in a standout performance.
The film opens with a young Ukrainian immigrant mother (Halushko) and her small son boarding a train. A mother struggling to make ends meet and unable to find a babysitter. She has no choice but to bring him to work. During the journey, a charismatic stranger named Felix (John Wick star Daniel Bernhardt) strikes up a conversation. He is persistently trying to earn her trust. But who is he, and what does he really want? What unfolds next is an unexpected encounter that changes both of their lives. The experience is leaving a profound and lasting impression on them both.
“The Impression” stars Halushko who also served as Executive Producer and Bernhardt. The film is directed by Luke LaFountaine. Who was also the stunt coordinator, and was written and produced by McCaffrey.
“Never underestimate the power of a woman,” says McCaffrey.
Halushko adds: “As a woman I have lived through uncertainty in both Ukraine and the United States. This story reminds me how quickly an ordinary life can become extraordinary. And, how the most dangerous moments rarely announce themselves. When I read Valerie McCaffrey’s script, I was determined this story be told.”
Liliia Halushko is a Ukrainian actress, model, dancer, singer-songwriter, and television host. Her career began in her native Ukraine, where she earned national recognition as an award-winning competitive dancer. She has captured numerous prestigious titles throughout her childhood and teenage years.
She studied at Kyiv’s National University of Culture and Arts, Cinema and Television Institute. Halushko realized her true passion was not working behind the camera, but performing in front of it. Soon afterward, acclaimed choreographer Amador Lopez invited her to join his celebrated show ballet, Rumbero’s. This launched her into Ukraine’s entertainment industry. She went on to perform in major concert productions, and appear in music videos. Also to become a familiar face on numerous television programs.
In 2017, Halushko was crowned Vice Queen of Ukraine, earning the honor of representing her country at the Miss Model of the World International Beauty Pageant in Shenzhen, China. Competing against 70 contestants from around the globe, she captured the competition’s Grand Prix, becoming the overall winner. In addition to the coveted title, she received the Miss Model Best Body/Figure award and placed among the Top Five in the Best Talent competition. The international victory elevated her profile, leading to a successful career as a television host while further establishing her as one of Ukraine’s rising entertainment personalities.
Following her move to Los Angeles, Halushko’s talent and on-screen charisma quickly attracted the attention of acclaimed talent manager and producer Valerie McCaffrey, who signed her soon after her arrival. Since then, Halushko has steadily built her career in the United States, bringing the same versatility and international appeal that first made her a standout performer in Europe.
Valerie McCaffrey is an accomplished film producer, director, and one of Hollywood’s most respected casting directors, with a career spanning more than three decades. Her work encompasses over 170 film and television credits, making her one of the industry’s most experienced creative executives. She previously served as Vice President of Casting at New Line Cinema and Director of Casting at Universal Studios, where she helped shape the casts of numerous studio productions and worked alongside many of Hollywood’s leading filmmakers.
Throughout her career, McCaffrey has been instrumental in bringing acclaimed projects to the screen, with casting credits that include American History X, Money Talks, Babe, Dark City, Hard Target, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Frequency, Now and Then, and more than 120 additional film and television productions. Her exceptional eye for talent has earned her a reputation for discovering new actors while assembling memorable ensembles for both independent films and major studio releases.
As a producer, McCaffrey has expanded her creative vision with projects including Neo Ned, Lost and Found in Armenia, Resurrection Mary, and most recently Here’s Yianni!, among other feature films currently in pre-production.
Known throughout the entertainment industry for her ability to recognize exceptional talent and champion original voices, Valerie McCaffrey continues to develop, produce, direct, and cast projects that entertain audiences while creating opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers and performers.
“The Impression” will screen on Tuesday, August 18th at 10PM at the TCL Chinese Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., LA 90029.
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