Emmy Winner Michaela Coel has become an entertainment juggernaut. Starring in the much talked about series “I May Destroy You” to this month’s highly anticipated Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever. We had the pleasure of interviewing Coel at the Shooting Stars event at the Berlinale a few years ago. The multi-hyphenate actress is on the brink of becoming a household name.
The Shooting Stars is a European Project promoting up and coming talent in cinema. Each year 10 performers are chosen by film professionals for their work in media.
European Shooting Stars at the Berlin International Film Festival 2018.
Franz Rogowski from Germany
Irakli Kvirikadze from Georgia
Jonas Smulders from The Netherlands
Matteo Simoni from Belgium
Matilda De Angelis from Italy
Michaela Coel from United Kingdom
Alba Ausust from Sweden
Reka Tenki from Hungary
Luna Wedler from Switzerland
Eili Harboe from Norway
Black and Paper participated in round table interviews with the actresses this past February.It’s always interesting to see how young talent face the press corps in a manic setting of photogrpahers and television cameras.
Alba August is the daughter of esteemed Swedish Director Belle August. I was taken by her confidence. Her stories of visiting her father on film sets reveals in a way she is a veteran in the business.
Norwagien Actress Elie Harboe did not travel the classic route of acting work with professional training at school. Auditioning for film during an open casting call at age 7 she learned technics in small groups. She was using an Acne bag as an everyday accessory for carrying books. An avid reader with a Bachelor Degree in English Literature, her dream is to publish a book in the future.
Of course I expected style from Italian Actress Malida De Angelis. She was wearing Fendi. She was the only lady wearing high heels. “As an Italian we care about Fashion”. A self-decribed actress by chance, she trained as a muscian. “Music is fundamental in my life”, “when I prepare for a role, to get in the mood I listen to certain bands” says De Angelis.
Stay tuned for Shooting Stars 2019 this Februrary from Berlinale.
#ThisBerlinale18 Coverage Sponsored by Canon Camera and Pringle of Scotland
Tudor Aaron Istodor from Romania A graduate of the national University of Drama and Cinematography, Tudor been in 3 feature films as well he has appeaered in the BBC series The Plantagenets. I found him to be optimistic.
What type of roles would you prefer?
Any role! I want contemporary, classic, as long as it is interesting.
What was your first acting role?
It was in the 11th grade in high school, My father is an actor. I went to him for advice about a school poetry contest. I had no idea what to do. He said, “Do what you like?” I did.
What inspired you to become an actor?
I don’t want to have a work a single day in my life. I enjoy playing roles, acting. I can do different things all the time.
Is there a performer you admire the most?
John Coltrane. He found Love Supreme!
What are your professional ambitions?
I want to work in international movies and projects. I have agent in France but I want to go further.
What are your future plans?
I want to have a baby.
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.
European Shooting Stars 2016 at the Berlinale
10 young actors were chosen from across the continent for the 19th edition of the European Initiative.
Martha
Martha Canga Antonio is from Belgium. She debuted in first film BLACK in 2015.
Why did you become actress?
I was 15 years old. I read there was an audition for a film. The filmmakers were looking for unexperienced actors. So, I took a chance and got the role. I discovered something amazing during the making of the film.
Is there a particular role you would like to perform?
Of course I would like challenging roles. Something people would not imagine me doing.
Anything new coming up?
Yeah, I am looking at roles and new projects.
Will the Shooting Stars help your career?
It feels like the official start of my career.
Lou
Lou de Laage is from France. She has been nominated twice for the French Academy Awards as Most promising Actress for her roles in “Jappeloup” and “Breathe”.
How did you get involved in acting?
I did theater when I was 10 in Bordeaux. I always wanted to do it. It was a dream for me. I went to acting school. When I moved to Paris at 18 I got an agent and continued to work. Then I started in cinema. It was another world.
What have you learned about your profession?
I learn from each project. There different methods and styles of working. I have been in co-productions in Holland and Poland. The styles were different. I took the best from both.
Is there an actress you would like to emulate?
I have many but no real model. I cannot have the same career as actresses I have to go my own way.
Maria
Maria Valverde is from Spain. She started working in 2002 winning the prestigious lead actress award for her debut film.
How did you start as an actress?
I started drama school at 10. I made my first film at 15. I won a Goya Prize at 16 for The Bolsheviks’s Weakness. I have constantly worked.
What is your style of acting?
I did not attend drama school. I learned from other actors, their techniques and styles. I am always practicing. I find acting therapeutic, drawing on real experiences.
Do you have an actress you admire?
I admire many.
What is your goal as an actress?
I do not have one. Acting has been fun for me. It has given me so many opportunities to work and travel. I am learning French now. It will be my fourth language.
Images by Canon Legria mini X