PODCAST| Chiara Nicoletti interviews actress Michaela Coel, the UK representativ for EFP Shooting Stars 2018.
Since her participation in Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017, Michaela Coel’s fame has travelled beyond UK borders. In her country she’s a well known award-winning actress, playwright, screenwriter and poet and she has already won two BAFTAs. At the 68a Berlinale she’s the UK representative at the EFP Shooting Stars and without doubt, she’s the most international actress among her fellow stars colleagues. Despite her work in the US, she doesn’t feel American but very European. At the moment Michaela is unstoppable, a film is coming out this summer and her musical is almost ready so that she will probably be back on FRED soon.
EFP European Shooting Stars, one of EFP’s flagship programmes, has placed some of the most promising young actors from all over Europe into the limelight over the past 20 years and proven to be an essential stepping stone for launching their international careers. The most prominent names in recent years included: Carey Mulligan (Mudbound), Alba Rohrwacher (Ismael’s Ghosts), Alicia Vikander (Submergence), Pilou Asbaek (Game of Thrones), Riz Ahmed (Star Wars: Rogue One), Mikkel Boe Foelsgard (Land of Mine), and George MacKay (Captain Fantastic). Each year, young actors from all over Europe – who have already made a name for themselves in their home countries – are nominated by the EFP member organisations to take part in the prestigious programme. A jury of industry professionals selects the ten most interesting and internationally versatile talents to be introduced to the press, industry and public at the Berlin International Film Festival. As a European Shooting Star, the actors and actresses attend a tailor-made programme, including meetings with casting directors, talent agents and producers, which broadens and strengthens their international industry alliances and networks. The activities culminate in a glamorous presentation of the European Shooting Stars Awards at the Berlinale Palast.
The Lovers Film Festival celebrates 40 years with 70 films from 26 countries, international guests and tributes to LGBTQI+ cinema icons. Directed by Vladimir Luxuria, from 10 to 17 April at the Cinema Massimo in Turin.