Lithuania actress Zygimante Elena Jakstaite talks about being a part of the EFP Shooting Stars program.
″Elena proves a force of nature, full of passion and raw energy that virtually leaps off the screen”, a quote from the casting panel.
Click Below to see the interview.
This year I rejoined the press junket for the European Film Promotion’s European Shooting Stars Program, virtual of course. The initiative serves as a platform to promote and showcase European Talent on the global stage. Since 1998 many famous faces have passed through the door moving on to becoming recognized performers in the entertainment industry. Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, Michaela Coel and 1917 star George McCay are a few examples of the talents who leaped to fame after their EFP debuts.
This year casting directors and filmmakers chose 10 European talents:
Abrecht Stork from Germany, Fionn O’Shea from Ireland, Natasa Stork from Hungary, Nicolas Maury from France, Alba Baptista from Portugal and Sara Klimoska from North Macedonia and Gustav Lindh from Sweden.
For 2021 I interviewed Martijn Lakemeier from The Netherlands, Seidi Haarla from Finland and Zygimante Elena Jakstaite of Lithuania. Normally there is face to face time but for 2021, we had one on one Zoom conferences. Hopefully, in June the live ceremony will take place in Berlin. I have my fingers crossed.
It is always inspiring to be one of the first to interview a raising media figure. I like saying “I interviewed him or her when they started”.
Congratulations to all the winners. Well deserved. I look forward to seeing them on the screen.
Stay tuned for the one on one interviews on the Chat Cinema Podcasts.
Hannah Hoekstra from The Netherlands. A graduate of the Amsterdam Theatre School she has played lead and supporting roles in Dutch films and theater. I found her to be very outgoing, bubbly with an enthusiasm for life.
What type of roles do you prefer?
I want to play all while broadening my horizon. I was lucky I had a role in a film where I aged from 14 to 68.
What was your first acting role?
I was in a film titled Heaven, Hemel in Dutch. I was 20. It was tough movie psychologically.
What inspired you to become an actress?
Life! I think everyone plays characters when they are young. Most people stop when they grow older but I did not want to do that. I wanted to continue.
What is your professional ambition?
Explore and learn.
IS there a performer you admire?
Meryl Streep. She brings life to everything.
What are your future plans?
I am in the National Theatre preparing for a role. I have a part in a small film then after two months I am free.
The European Shooting Stars is a program designed to focus the spotlight on young acting talent. Each year a jury chooses 10 performers with screen experience to be presented at the Berlinale as the “Stars of Tomorrow”.