European Shooting Stars '15

Shooting Stars are Europe’s best up-and-coming actors.

2015 with: Aistė Diržiūtė Moe Dunford Joachim Fjelstrup Hera Hilmar Abbey Hoes Natalia de Molina Jannis Niewöhner Emmi Parviainen Sven Schelker Maisie Williams Domhnall Gleeson — the Irish actor was Shooting Star in 2011.

Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

www.ec.europa .eu/culture/creative-europe

Miriam Karlkvist, Italian Shooting Star 2014.

© HARALD FUHR

Creative Europe: Support Programme for Europe’s cultural and creative sectors 2014 — 2020

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European Shooting Stars ’15

European Shooting Stars 2015 Passion, commitment and the pure joy of youth are qualities on full view in this year’s selection of European Shooting Stars. And I haven’t even mentioned the word “talent” yet. That talent, which embodies the ability to transmit emotion at a searing level, is what sets these young actors apart from the crowd, and confirms for us all, the vitality and bright future of European cinema.

As president of EFP, and on behalf its members, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our 2015 European Shooting Stars. This extraordinary group of ten up-and-coming actors has been selected by an international jury for this honour, and as you come to know them throughout their stay in Berlin, you will see why.

While in Berlin, the actors will find themselves at the centre of a busy and productive three days of events including a formal presentation to the press, one-onone interviews with international casting directors and various presentations to the world’s film industry. The highlight will be their presentation with the European Shooting Stars Award on the main stage of the prestigious Berlinale Palast.

Shooting Stars is entering its 18 th edition in 2015, and stands as the first initiative to recognize and honour young acting talent at a major international festival. This has been possible due to the unwavering commitment and enthusiastic support of Berlinale Festival Director, Dieter Kosslick. We at EFP are extremely grateful for his dedication.

European Shooting Stars is supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA Programme of the European Union and as well by the ten participating EFP members since its inception. Main partner TESIRO and Automobile Partner AUDI are generously supporting the event. Additional support is provided by the German State Minister for Culture and the Media, Film- und Medien Stiftung NRW and Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg.

Christian Juhl Lemche President, European Film Promotion

Joachim Fjelstrup, Emmi Parviainen, Jannis Niewöhner, Hera Hilmar, Moe Dunford, , Abbey Hoes, Natalia de Molina, Sven Schelker, Maisie Williams

04 About European Shooting Stars 07 Jury 2015 08 International Casting Directors Network European Shooting Stars 12 D E N M A R K Joachim Fjelstrup 14 F I N L A N D Emmi Parviainen 16 G E R M A N Y Jannis Niewöhner 18 I C E L A N D Hera Hilmar 20 I R E L A N D Moe Dunford 22 L I T H U A N I A Aistė Diržiūtė 24 T H E N E T H E R L A N D S Abbey Hoes 26 S P A I N Natalia de Molina 28 S W I T Z E R L A N D Sven Schelker 30 U N I T E D K I N G D O M Maisie Williams 33 About European Film Promotion 34 Thank you!

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© HARALD FUHR

© HARALD FUHR

Danica Curcic (Denmark) and Maria Dragus (Germany) at the Shooting Stars award ceremony in 2014.

About European Shooting Stars February 7 th – 9 th at the Berlin International Film Festival European Shooting Stars is a unique pan-European initiative which shines a light on Europe’s most accomplished up and coming young actors. It places emerging acting talent at the top of the busy film and entertainment agenda which unfolds each year at the Berlin International Film Festival.

2015 marks the 18 th edition of Shooting Stars. Ten prominent young actors, hailing from across the European continent, are chosen by a jury of experts to be this year’s Shooting Stars. They are selected from an extensive list of potential candidates nominated by the member organisations of European Film Promotion ( EFP ).

During a whirlwind weekend at the start of the festival, the European Shooting Stars are guided through various high profile events.

TESIRO Welcome Cocktail TESIRO has been a sponsor of EFP ’s actors initiative for the past seven years. As the main partner for both EFP Shooting Stars and, since 2014, the Berlinale, TESIRO will be the official host of the festival’s TESIRO Golden Bear Lounge in the Hyatt Hotel. The actors will be celebrated at this exclusive event in the TESIRO Golden Bear Lounge and presented with a very special welcome gift.

Actor’s Industry Network At this invitation-only event, the European Shooting Stars meet with leading international casting directors, as well as other industry professionals. The setting allows for establishing important contacts within the industry, and

Norwegian Shooting Star Jakob Oftebro at the press presentation, interviewed by Loretta Stern, in 2014.

provides actors with a strong start-up network as they continue along the path to international careers. An Industry Cocktail (invitation only) with casting directors, producers, agents and sales agents, will follow the networking session.

Presentation to the world’s media This year’s European Shooting Stars will be presented to the world’s media at the opening weekend of the Berlinale.

The young stars will take part in a number of industry and press events including a photocall (Sunday, 8 th February) and a press presentation (Monday, 9 th February), where they will be introduced to the media at large to discuss their experiences, influences and future ambitions. The press presentation is the gateway to individual interview and portrait sessions with many of the international press corps’ leading publications, broadcasters and photographers.

For any interview or photo request please contact Organic Publicity at shootingstarsberlin@organic-publicity.co.uk.

Award Ceremony The highlight of the weekend is the public presentation of the European Shooting Stars on the main stage of the Berlinale Palast. In recognition of the actors’ artistic achievement, the Berlin International Film Festival presents the European Shooting Stars Award, which is sponsored by TESIRO, to each actor. This gathering of the best of Europe’s young actors is broadcast by various international TV stations.

Monday, February 9 th Berlinale Palast

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European Shooting Stars ’15

TESIRO Commitment and Class The Chinese jewellery company is championing the European film industry by its dedicated sponsorship of the Berlin International Film Festival and by supporting the young faces of European cinema: EFP ’s European Shooting Stars. TESIRO, one of the world’s leading luxury brands, has been a sponsor of the EFP initiative since 2009, becoming the main sponsor of the event in 2012.

TESIRO designs and donates the European Shooting Stars awards which are presented each year to the young actors on the main stage of the Berlinale Palast by a well known actor (previously John Hurt, Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zhang Ziyi and last year, Stellan Skarsgård and Bruno Ganz).

The inspiration for the award statue comes from flying wings which represent the success the actors and actresses have after all their previous efforts.

When the European Shooting Stars receive their trohphies, it will be a joyous moment.

© TESIRO

© TESIRO

www.tesiro.com

UK Shooting Star Carey Mulligan at the Berlinale 2009.

Below: Shooting Stars 2013 with Shooting Stars jury and hosts on stage of the Berlinale Palast.

© MARKUS NASS

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European Shooting Stars ’15

The Jury Nathalie Cheron

Eva Röse

Damon Wise

(Casting Director — France) is casting for

(Film Editor — UK). A film writer since 1987,

French and European productions and has worked with some of Europe’s most respected directors. Her credits include: “Lucy And The Family” by Luc Besson, “Les Garçons et Guillaume, à Table!” by Guillaume Gallienne, “Mr Morgan’s Last Love” by Sandra Nettelbeck, “Sa Majesté Minor” by Jean-Jacques Annaud, “Paris, Je t’aime” by 20 directors and “The Bourne Identity” by Doug Liman. Nathalie Cheron is member of the International Casting Directors’ Network ( ICDN ) and of the Association des Responsables de Distribution Artistique ( ARDA ).

Damon Wise is a Contributing Editor with Empire magazine and advisor to the BFI London Film Festival’s Thrill strand. His features, interviews and reviews have been published in The Times, Financial Times, The Guardian and The Observer, as

(Actress and Shooting Star 2006 — Sweden) is

one of Sweden’s most popular actresses.

She has starred in over 50 feature films and TV productions and has been in over 20 stage productions at the Royal Dramatic Theater in Stockholm and the Stockholm City Theater. On the big screen, her success includes a number of popular Scandinavian films such as “Kopps” and “Göta Kanal 2” and the award winning film “Storm”. Since 2008, Eva stars as Inspector Maria, in the internationally renowned Swedish crime series “Maria Wern”. The series contains 14 movies shown both as feature films and on TV.

Danijel Hočevar (Producer — Slovenia), one of the most experi-

enced producers in this region, established the production company Vertigo in 1994 with directors Damjan Kozole and Metod Pevec. They’ve produced more than 40 feature films, including the multi award winning “An Episode In A Life Of An Iron Picker” (2013) by Danis Tanović, “Circles”

by Srdan Golubović and “I Am From Titov Veles” (2007) by Teona Mitevska. Danijel

Hočevar was selected as one of “Variety’s Ten Producers To Watch”. He is a voting member of the European Film Academy, a member of the selection juries of Nipkow Programm, EAVE and MidPoint.

Malgorzata Szumowska (Director — Poland) is one of Poland’s most prominent filmmakers and works as screenwriter and producer as well as documentary and feature film director. She has been

honoured with several awards, including the Teddy Award for „In The Name Of ” at the Berlin Film Festival and the Silver Leopard Award at the Locarno Film festival for “33 Scenes From Life”. Malgorzata Szumowska was twice nominated for the European Film Awards for “Happy Man” and “Stranger”. Her movie “Elles”, featuring Juliette Binoche and Anaïs Demoustier, French Shooting Star 2010, was sold to over 40 countries.

well as in Sight & Sound, among others. As well as covering set visits and junkets, he is a regular attendee at key international film festivals, including Sundance, Cannes, Venice and Toronto. In 1998 he published his first book, ‘Come By Sunday’ (Sidgwick & Jackson), a biography of British film star Diana Dors.

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International Casting Directors Network

The goals of the ICDN include • Establishing a recognized standard of professionalism in the industry • Enhancing the stature of the profession of casting director • Taking on responsibility to help shape film policy and processes • Honouring achievements of members • Providing members with professional support and resources Requirements to become an ICDN member • five years experience as a casting director • actively working as a casting director • at least three main title credits within the last five years • the endorsement of three current ICDN members

© RALF UHLER

On February 13, 2005, during the Berlin International Film Festival, 15 casting directors from seven countries founded the International Casting Directors Network ( ICDN ). Today, the network has 58 members from 23 different countries. The ICDN offers casting directors the opportunity to engage on an international level concerning their working methods and standards, to take advantage of synergies with international co-productions and to attract greater attention to the work of casting a film.

Danish casting directors Anja Philip and Tanja Grunwald at the Shooting Stars event in 2013.

The annual ICDN meeting is held in Berlin in February during the International Film Festival. The chair of ICDN is Debbie McWilliams ( Casting Consultancy UK ).

For more information please contact: European Film Promotion Karin Dix, dix@efp-online.com

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European Shooting Stars ’15

Leo Davis Casting Director, United Kingdom

You have a long, illustrious career as a casting director, having worked with some of Europe’s (Frears, August, Apted, Bier, Webber). How do you accommodate the needs of such a diverse group of directors?

E

very director works differently. Some directors need to see many actors for each role. Some directors want to meet only a few. If you work with a director more than once, you will also have learnt their individual taste in actors. And European directors have to trust us as they don’t know very many British actors.

And we discover very young talent at the brilliant National Youth Theatre, and the Royal National Theatre has a terrific annual youth theatre festival.

Do you think talent can be nurtured and developed, or is someone just born with “it”?

S

ome actors discover their talent at a very young age, other actors develop it. I have followed the career of actors who didn’t seem especially talented and then suddenly in middle age, grow into themselves, relax and become brilliant.

How do you discover new talent?

B

y always attending theatre plays. We are lucky in London to have so many theatres. Also the UK has a lot of drama schools and we see most of the performances.

What advice would you offer young up and coming actors as they begin their careers?

I

don’t have any advice. That’s what their agents are for!

Practical advice would be to make sure you have a truthful strong photograph, and always include your name and contact on the reverse.

What does the Shooting Stars event mean to you?

I

© MARKUS NASS

Leo Davis (middle) with her colleagues Tusse Lande from Sweden and Debbie McWilliams (UK, right).

© Z E N T R O PA

Mads Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander (Shooting Star for Sweden in 2011), Mikkel Boe Følsgaard (Shooting Star for Denmark in 2013), cast by Leo Davis for “A Royal Affair” by Nicolaj Arcel.

t’s a major source of meeting and seeing the work of European talent. Often their films don’t make it to the UK. Also, to meet face to face, and to hear their English, is extremely useful. We have been casting from Shooting Stars for many years!

S W E D E N

Laura Birn. Shooting Star for Finland in 2013.

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European Shooting Stars ’15

© MARKUS NASS

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D E N M A R K

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© S T E P H A N I E S TÅ L

© ANDERS CLAUSEN

I don’t dream big, I just try to do the best work I can.

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European Shooting Stars ’15

JOACHIM FJELSTRUP © NIKOL A PREDOVIC

Joachim Fjelstrup as Eik in “Itsi Bitsi” by Ole Christian Madsen.

Contact Lindberg Management Anne Lindberg Copenhagen, Denmark phone +45 33 11 1557 al@lindbergmanagement.com www.lindbergmanagement.com Nominated by Danish Film Institute www.dfi.dk Languages Danish, English, Norwegian, Swedish Filmography • Itsi Bitsi (Steppeulven)

by Ole Christian Madsen Denmark, Croatia, Argentina 2015 • April 9 th (9. April)

by Roni Ezra Denmark 2014

How did you decide to become an actor, and who was influential in that decision?

I

didn’t really “decide” to become an actor. I really didn’t think it was something I was equipped to do. But my mom always said I should be an actor, and something prompted me as I finished up school, to just go and give it a try – to apply for drama school. I tried for three different schools, and I didn’t tell anyone.

Well that certainly worked out for you! Tell me about how you were cast in the lead role for “Itsi Bitsi”.

T

he first audition was held two years before the film actually started production. I kept going to castings, and finally at some point, it was no longer called “casting” but “rehearsal”. We started shooting two months after I finished my studies.

How was it for you to play this iconic Danish musician, Eik Skaløe?

I

was afraid of all the responsibility I had. But I was in very good hands with the director, Ole Christian Madsen. He

always cared about the story, and had made a documentary about the band. I also met with as many people as I could who knew Eik. I even met at a café once a month to jam with the band’s original guitarist.

Also, Eik wrote hundreds of letters to Iben (the girl he loved, and who always ran from him). They were so honest and helped give an inner life to the character. I also watched Al Pacino in “Panic In Needle Park”, “Into The Wild”, and many other films in prep for the role. Each inspired me in different ways.

What’s next?

I

just finished a WWII drama, “April 9 th ”, where I had a smaller role. But it was a great experience, and so different from “Itsi Bitsi”. I’m also starting on a theater piece in Copenhagen, “Lila Forever”.

For me it’s a greater challenge doing stage work than film. I also just got an agent – Anne Lindberg. I thought I should have one now that I’m a Shooting Star :) .

F I N L A N D

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EMMI PARVIAINEN I’m enthralled by strong stories and have a desire for pushing myself as an artist towards understanding the infinite scale of human emotions.

How did you decide to become an actor?

I

grew up surrounded by artists. I’m an actor of the fourth generation, but in my teen years I felt a need to try something different. Still, from an early age, acting was my greatest ambition and I knew I wanted it. I just had to go through that phase, to achieve independency and personal integrity.

Contact The Finnish Film Foundation Kati Nuora Helsinki, Finland phone +358 50 56 89 191 kati.nuora@ses.fi www.ses.fi/en

Did you have someone who was a strong influence in this decision?

I

Nominated by The Finnish Film Foundation www.ses.fi/en

think the battle I had with myself was eventually the strongest influence. I had to accept my own fears and fantasies.

T

he Princess Of Egypt” is definitely the most important movie for me so far, and the leading role as Marja, was fascinating. When I first read it, I knew I wanted to do it. For me, in all its loneliness, co-dependency, vulnerability, choices made driven by fear, insecurity, love, it is all very human.

As an actor, who inspires you?

C

harlotte Gainsbourg, Emily Watson, Tilda Swinton, Liv Ullmann, Marion Cotillard, Judy Dench, Helene Schjer¹eck, Sofia Coppola, to name a few.

What is the best advice - and the worst - you have been given?

T

he best advice: An actor is an artist.

And also, Explore all arts: Literature, Visual arts, Contemporary Dance, Opera.

Everything. The worst: Take every job you can get.

Filmography • Eila, Rampe And The Baby Girl (Eila, Rampe Ja Likka)

by Taru Mäkelä Finland 2015 • The Princess Of Egypt (Silmäterä)

by Jan Forsström Finland 2013

What has been the most difficult challenge in your acting life so far?

I

enjoy the challenge in every single work I do. The way I see it, an actor should never be completely satisfied with the work. You can always be better than the day before. Every second should be challenging in its way.

© JULIANA HARKKI

What are the most favorite roles you have acted in?

Languages English, Finnish, Swedish

Emmi Parviainen as Marja in “The Princess Of Egypt”.

European Shooting Stars ’15

© SAARA SALAMA

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G E R M A N Y

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© SANDRA MÜLLER / C-FILMS

Jannis Niewöhner in “Four Kings”

by Theresa von Eltz.

Contact die agenten Britta von Gehlen Berlin, Germany phone +49 30 28 88 43 30 vongehlen@die-agenten.de www.die-agenten.de Nominated by German Films www.german-films.de Languages German, English Filmography • Four Kings (Vier Könige)

by Theresa von Eltz Germany 2015 • The Girl King

by Mika Kaurismäki Finland, Germany, Canada, Sweden 2015 • Sapphire Blue (Saphirblau)

by Felix Fuchssteiner, Katharina Schöde Germany 2014

I see that you had your first role when you were ten years old. How did that come about?

M

y father was an actor, and he asked me if I would like to take part in a casting session. I got the part in the series, “Tatort”. That started me on a path, but it wasn’t until I was making a film called “Sommer”, when I was 16, that I realized I wanted to do this professionally. I saw the complexity behind acting for the first time.

Who has inspired you?

M

y father was a big source of support and inspiration for me. I remember him in the theatre from when I was very young. My first acting coach helped me understand the craft on a deeper level.

Berlin has also been an inspiration to me. I finished high school at 18 and I knew right away that I wanted to go to Berlin. I had to see new things. Of course, acting school was an option for me, but I really didn’t want to miss any of the projects coming my way. Film is my passion.

What roles have challenged you?

I

would say the role of Gideon De Villiers in “Ruby Red”. There was more pressure, more responsibility. I was on set for most of the shoot, and I portrayed a multifaceted character. For me, this project was a very big one, and offered me many new opportunities. Also challenging was my role in “Four Kings”, by Therese von Eltz. I had to go into a world that is so different and so foreign to the world I am living in. It was very hard stuff, absolutely intense. It was the director’s first big film, and she is easily one of the best directors I have ever worked with. All in all, I am very lucky that I have had all of these opportunities.

My friends had to really struggle with deciding what to do. I am a lucky guy. I know what my passion is.

European Shooting Stars ’15

JANNIS NIEWÖHNER

© JENS KOCH

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There have been a lot of people who have inspired me. That’s the lovely thing about acting – every situation can motivate you.

I C E L A N D

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HERA HILMAR

M

y mom had me at drama school.

I basically popped out during Christmas break. It all kind of started there. I was also with my dad on set as a kid. And loved it. My parents were not necessarily interested in my going in that direction, knowing how hard it was. But I always felt strongly that this is what I wanted to do. And of course, my parents, and my grandfather, who was a playwright – all of that had an influence. As a young child, I was also surrounded by four strong women – my mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and great-great grandmother – they inspired me to do what I wanted to do in the world.

With so many great women in your life, what kind of advice did they give you?

M

y mother had a necklace from her teens that I found and I sort of adopted: Live, love, laugh. And, also, to live your own life, not the lives of others.

How did your career develop?

I

was 16 when I got my first major lead in a film, “The Quiet Storm”. I had done smaller stuff up till then, but that was a game changer. At 19, I went to drama

school in London, and there it became clear to me that this is what I wanted to do.

I wouldn’t have been happy just staying in Iceland, having lived in London as a kid. And I wanted to improve my Contact English, to be able to 42 Molly Wansell expand the kind of roles I London, United Kingdom could do. “Anna “ Karenina Karenina”” phone +44 20 72 92 05 54 happened right out of mollywansell@42mp.com www.42mp.com drama school. It wasn’t a big part, but I just loved Nominated by the director, Joe Wright, Icelandic Film Centre www.icelandicfilmcentre.is and still do.

What are you up to now?

I

’m going between a few projects, including the BBC/Starz production “DaVinci’s Demons”, where I play Vanessa, DaVinci’s muse, who goes from being a nun to the most powerful woman in Florence. And then there’s my theater company AMMA . There’s three of us: one is a writer, one a musician and me. It’s very creative and I get a lot out of working on different projects involving different art forms.

Languages Icelandic, English, Danish, German, Spanish Filmography • Life In A Fishbowl (Vonarstræti)

by Baldvin Zophoníasson Iceland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland 2014 • Anna Karenina

by Joe Wright United Kingdom 2012 • The Quiet Storm (Vedramót)

by Gudny Halldórsdóttir Iceland 2007

© KVIKMYNDAFÉL AG ÍSL ANDS

Your father is a director and your mother is an actress. How that has influenced your career?

Hera Hilmar in “Life In A Fishbowl”, Iceland’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film 2014.

European Shooting Stars ’15

The size of a role shouldn’t mark how creative the work can be, it’s the total experience that matters.

© ÍRIS BJÖRK

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I R E L A N D

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MOE DUNFORD

Being afraid, taking risks, being able to fail – these are things I learned through acting. It’s not about ego when you are working with people to create something.

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European Shooting Stars ’15

How did you find your way to acting?

I

t must have come somehow from my childhood. Playing, watching films with my father. I was clearly too young at five or six to understand them, but I watched anyway. I made my mother dress me up as Zorro for my first grade class. But after the Zorro experience, school quickly lost its appeal for me. I didn’t want to work on things that I really wasn’t interested in.

I went to college for a year and then decided to audition for the Gaiety School of Acting. The director of the school said it was the worst audition he had ever seen, but there was something in it. I was accepted and I loved my time there.

Was there someone who was a strong influence in this decision?

N

o. It was my decision, no one else’s.

My parents were very supportive.

My mom sings, my dad plays the spoons.

My uncle is an actor who I saw on TV when I was a kid. But, at the end of the day, it was my decision – I chose to ignore any negative remarks.

What is the most difficult challenge which you have faced as an actor?

W

ell, it’s all very new. I hope my toughest challenges are still ahead of me. Although in “Patrick’s Day”, I was totally afraid af of the breakdown scene. That was a challenge.

Talk about “Patrick’s Day”. Your role was very intense.

I

felt very strongly about a lot of the themes. It’s not just about mental health – it’s about people fighting for themselves and their futures. It’s about fighting against what people define you as. I got to work with amazing people, top among them the director, Terry McMahon. He took a gamble on me, he believed in me. He’s a genius of a director, and I want to work with him again.

What’s up and coming?

W

ell among a number of things, I’ll continue on the series, “Vikings”, where I play Aethelwulf. I really enjoy that. I am very comfortable in my role, and I get to work from home in Ireland, with an amazing international cast and an Irish crew. Couldn’t ask for more.

Contact Lisa Richards Agency Jonathan Shankey Dublin, Ireland phone +353 1 63 75 000 jonathan@lisarichards.ie www.lisarichards.ie

© IFB / IGNITION FILM PRODUCTIONS

© TOMEK BOGUT

Nominated by Irish Film Board www.irishfilmboard.ie

Moe Dunford, Catherine Walker in “Patrick’s Day” by Terry McMahon.

Languages English, American Filmography • Traders

by Peter Murphy, Rachael Moriarty Ireland 2015 • Patrick’s Day

by Terry McMahon Ireland 2015

L I T H U A N I A

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AISTĖ DIRŽIŪTĖ

How did you get into acting?

I

t wasn’t a momentary decision to become an actor. Since I was a child, I wanted to find a place to use my energy.

And in a small town, there are not a lot of places to use your energy. At first, I explored the world through playing piano.

For seven years of my life I wanted to be a pianist. But, I was still feeling hungry.

Finally I found the satisfaction I was seeking in acting. I applied to an acting school, but did not get in. I started studying musical theater, and one year later, I tried again, and I got in.

Who has influenced you in your acting career?

I

don’t believe in authority, but my first strong influence was my theater teacher in my small town. I used to speak very quietly. She made me speak up! I am also inspired by actors like Meryl Streep, Marion Cotillard and Al Pacino. But I am more inspired by people who don’t give up, and follow their heart. I am inspired by my family – my father, my mother, who is an artist, and my brother.

Your new film, “The Summer Of Sangaile”, just premiered at Sundance 2015. Tell me about how you got the role.

I

t was exam time at the Academy where I am studying. I met with the director, and then with the young actress Julija Steponaityte who plays Sangaile. We used to know each other when we were kids.

We were very good friends, spending summers together. Then over time, we lost touch with each other. This was my first film, my first main role, I met my dear friend again, and I really believe in the director. It was joyful to make this film.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given and the worst?

M

y best advice was given by one of my acting lecturers. Don’t be afraid of anything. And the worst advice was given by one of my teachers: You need to be more like other people.

© FRALITRA FILMS/LES FILMS D ’A N T O I N E / V I K I N G F I L M

“The Summer Of Sangaile” has its European premiere in the Panorama section of the Berlinale.

Contact Lithuanian Film Centre Liana Ruokyté-Jonsson Vilnius, Lithuania phone +370 52 13 87 26 l.ruokyte@lkc.lt www.lkc.lt Nominated by Lithuanian Film Centre www.lkc.lt Languages Lithuanian, English, German, French Filmography • The Summer Of Sangaile (Sangaile)

by Alante Kavaite Lithuania, France, The Netherlands 2015 • We Will Sing (Mes Dainuosim)

by Robert Mullan Lithuania 2015

European Shooting Stars ’15

I am inspired by people who don’t give up, and follow their heart.

© VYTENIS KRISCIUNAS

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N E T H E R L A N D S

24 Contact Henneman Agency Nancy Thomas Amsterdam, The Netherlands phone +31 20 69 43 399 nancy@hennemanagency.nl www.hennemanagency.nl Nominated by eye International international.eyefilm.nl Languages Dutch, English Filmography • Nena

by Saskia Diesing The Netherlands, Germany 2014 • To Be King (Koning Van Katoren)

by Ben Sombogaard The Netherlands, Italy 2012 • Furious (Razend)

by Dave Schram The Netherlands 2011

© MARC DE GROOT

T H E

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European Shooting Stars ’15

© KEYFILM

ABBEY HOES Abbey Hoes, Uwe Ochsenknecht in “Nena”, International premier in the Generation 14plus section of the Berlinale.

How did you decide to become an actor?

I

started out taking singing and dancing lessons when I was young. At about 12 years old, I went for an audition where I had to sing. It was so bad. I said I’d never try this again. But, yes, I decided to try again. I auditioned for a commercial where all I had to do was wink and say “yummy”.

I got the part of the “winking girl”, and decided I never wanted to do anything else.

Your most recent lead role in “Nena ““Nena”” was quite a stretch from the winking girl.

I

did “Nena” last year, 2014, and it was my first leading role in a big international theatrical film. It was shot partly in Germany, partly in Holland. I consider myself very fortunate to have gotten this role. I thought I would always be cast as the cute, little girl next door. But I find I am getting cast in a lot of different roles, and I’m very proud of how “Nena” turned out.

Who inspires you?

R

ight now, I am really into Wes Anderson. I like his way of making movies. Stylized and full of color. And Tim Burton. I always loved Johnny Depp, I am a really big fan of his. And the Dutch director, Arne Toonen.

Name some of the films are on your top 10 list.

I

really liked the Disney movie „Alice In Wonderland” – the original one. And “The Darjeeling Limited” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”. Wes Anderson gets something out of his actors that you don’t expect to see from them.

What’s up and coming for you?

I

am in two films that will come out next year: “Ventoux” and “Escape”. And for TV, there is a parody on “Snow White”. But for now, the future is school… school … I am almost finished at the Amsterdam School of the Arts. And, hopefully after that I can work in film again. I like TV work, but I love film film… …

Best advice I ever got is from my mother: If you want something, just go for it.

© SERGIO LARDIEZ

S P A I N 26

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European Shooting Stars ’15

NATALIA DE MOLINA © FERNANDO TRUEBA

One of my dreams is to perform the role of Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” in the theater.

Some day I hope…

Natalia de Molina in “Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed”.

Who has inspired you?

Contact Ruth Franco Management Ruth Franco Madrid, Spain phone +34 91 36 04 703 ruth@ruthfranco.com www.ruthfranco.com Nominated by ICAA, Spain www.mcu.es/cine/index Languages Spanish, English Filmography • Roof And Food (Techo Y Comida)

by Juan Miguel del Castillo Spain 2015 • Just Chemistry (Sólo Quimica)

by Alfonso Albacete Spain 2015 • Girls Night Out (Cómo Sobrevivir A Una Despedida)

by Manuela Moreno Spain 2014 • Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed (Vivir Es Facil Con Los Ojos Cerrados)

by David Trueba Spain 2013

M

How did you decide to become an actor?

I

don’t really know when I decided that.

I remember when I was a child, I used to say “I want to become a singer, dancer and actress”. I wanted everything. One day I saw myself fulfilling my dreams, doing the exam for the School of Drama, and getting in. I always wanted to be in show business. It’s something I feel in my heart, like a heartbeat.

What are your most favorite roles you have acted in?

I

like all the roles I’ve done. To be honest, the role of Belen in “Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed” is the most important to me because this was my first movie, the first time that I acted in front of a camera and Belen represents a very sweet moment of my life. I’ve grown up with her, a fragile and strong woman, and thanks to her, I am here today.

any people inspire me. My favorite actress is Gena Rowlands, I remain astounded by her talent. When I prepare a character I can be inspired by anything – other films, the work of another actress, by anonymous people I see on the streets. I am a very observant person. I love noticing small details. I think that excellence means seeking greatness in small things.

What has been the most difficult challenge in acting so far?

B

eing an unknown inexperienced actress surrounded by people with many years of experience in “Living Is Easy…”.

Easy …”. I was very nervous and under pressure, but I felt I couldn’t miss the opportunity they were giving me. I discovered that starting this way was probably the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

What’s ’’s the best piece of advice you you’ve ’’ve been given so far, and the worst?

B

e yourself ” which director David Trueba said to me. And the worst advice … I don’t know… know … I don’t pay attention to empty words. LOL .

S W I T Z E R L A N D

SVEN SCHELKER

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European Shooting Stars ’15

I actually think the most inspiring people in life are those who are closest to you.

© ALIOCHA MERKER/CONTRAST FILM

How did you get involved with the Thalia Theater, one of the top German theaters?

© H A N N E S C A S PA R

W

How did you get involved in acting?

M

ore or less my whole life, I thought of being an actor. In 2004, I got involved in a theater group in school. I was excited by the way that you work in the theater – how you work with people, in situations and characters, and build this different world. After graduation, I decided I would love to spend my time working in theater and in film.

You went to acting school in Munich?

Y

es, and it was pretty exciting. Moving to a different country where I didn’t know anyone. The time I spent in acting school in Munich was very intense. I learned about acting, but also a lot about life.

ell, it was kind of a lucky coincidence. It was my second year in acting school, and I was invited to audition.

Less than two weeks later, I was asked to be part of the ensemble group. It all happened very quickly – it’s exactly the kind of thing you dream of and hope for as you think about what you want to do with your life. At the Thalia I have had the great opportunity to work with directors like Luk Percival, Jan Bosse and Jette Steckel.

What or who inspired you along the way?

W

hen I’m creating a character, I find inspiration in everyday things – people you meet on the street. In “The Circle” I was very inspired by Röbi Rapp, whom my character was based on. He was a transvestite star in Zurich in the 50’s and I was moved by his experience with the repression against homosexuals.

What does the future hold for you in your career?

A

t the moment I’m preparing two films. Both deal with remarkable issues and I hope, that they will be shot in 2015/16. And I’m looking forward to all the new projects at the Thalia. I’m honestly overwhelmed by the way things are going right now.

“The Circle” by Stefan Haupt features Sven Schelker in his first role.

Contact LuckyPunch Delia Marti Berlin, Germany phone +49 30 64 83 79 65 info@luckypunch-berlin.de www.luckypunch-berlin.de Nominated by Swiss Films www.swissfilms.ch Languages German, English, French Filmography • The Circle (Der Kreis)

by Stefan Haupt Switzerland 2014

U N I T E D

K I N G D O M

30

MAISIE WILLIAMS

I

started out dancing. I always loved performing, but I always wanted to be a dancer. Then I met Louise Johnston (my agent) and she signed me… I auditioned for the role, and I got it. And, actually, there is a side of the Arya Stark character, learning to fence, which called on my dancing background, and which really intrigued me.

Tell me about who inspires you and why.

I

am deeply inspired by Audrey Hepburn.

The work she did not only on film, but in the world, in her later years, for charity, is so inspiring to me. She was a famous person, but she did so much for others. I am also inspired by so many people in everyday life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given so far, and the worst?

B

est piece of advice I was given is probably: If you don’t respect someone you don’t have to listen to them. This helps keep me grounded. And the worst…

Well people are always telling you to “be yourself”. This is really very difficult because in many cases, they don’t really want you to be yourself. They have expectations of how you should be. Then when you are yourself they are a bit disappointed.

Besides “Game Of Thrones”, ””, what have you been up to?

I

recently was in “Gold”, directed by Niall Heery, which was a wonderful experience. It brought me into the comedy genre, which was new to explore. And another feature film, „The Falling”, directed by Carol Morley, which was set in the 1960’s, which for someone of my age, presents a huge leap in time.

Contact Louise Johnston Management Louise Johnston Gloucestershire, United Kingdom phone +44 12 42 69 16 29 info@louisejohnstonmanagement.com www.louisejohnstonmanagement.com Nominated by British Council www.britishcouncil.org/film Languages English Filmography • Gold

by Niall Heery United Kingdom, Ireland 2014 • Heatstroke

by Evelyn Purcell USA, South Africa, Germany 2014 • The Falling

by Carol Morley United Kingdom 2014

Do you have an interest in working in the theater?

I

love the immediacy of it. It would be so lovely to explore and maybe it is something I will be able to get into in the future.

© T H E FA L L I N G / I N D E P E N D E N T

You are very young, only 17, and you are in one of the most highly rated TV shows of the moment. How did you get there?

Maisie Williams in “The Falling” by Carol Morley.

European Shooting Stars ’15

I am deeply inspired by Audrey Hepburn.

She was part of a generation of actors who were also inspirational women.

Š J O S E P H M O L I N E S / A S S I S TA N T M A G A Z I N E

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Film- und Medienstiftung NRW GmbH Kaistrasse 14, 40221 Düsseldorf, Germany www.filmstiftung.de Meet us at the Berlinale: FOCUS Germany/German Films c/o European Film Market Martin-Gropius-Bau, booth 15

»Saphirblau« Geißendörfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion

Congratulations to Jannis Niewöhner and all European Shooting Stars 2015!

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European Shooting Stars ’15

European Film Promotion Initiatives in support of the European Industry

Founded in 1997 by ten members as a non-profit organisation, EFP has since grown into a leading international promotion organisation with a membership of 36 organisations representing 35 countries in Europe – from Portugal in the West to Georgia in the East. While promoting European cinema with joint initiatives under the EFP umbrella, the organization fully respects the culturally rich and unique nature of each of its member’s own cinema heritage. EFP represents the diverse interests of its members through a variety of projects which are taking place under the EFP banner, at different festivals and markets around the globe. EFP ’s reliance on the national expertise and know-how of the member institutes has been at the core of the organizational goals since it’s inception, and has been essential to EFP ’s ability to achieve sustainable success through a long-term approach to bringing European films and talent to audiences around the world.

With the support of

EFP is supported by

The EFP network

Albanian Center of Cinematography Austrian Film Commission British Council Bulgarian National Film Center Croatian Audiovisual Centre

EFP thus represents a true network of industry professionals whose goals are threefold: to increase the circulation and exploitation of European films in Europe and internationally. The organisation, which is highly tuned into market realities, is able to effectively adjust to rapid changes that occur within the film industry as well as to the evolving and challenging world of new technology.

Over the past 18 years, EFP has pursued a two-fold strategy to support European film and talent worldwide: implementation of original approaches to promotion & networking and creation of viable methods to increase access to markets. EFP ’s strategies span a broad spectrum and include artistic and business-oriented platforms which support the goal of increasing the visibility and marketability of European films globally.

EFP is financially supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA Programme of the European Union and by its member organisations. The Hamburg-based office is backed by the German State Minister for Culture and the Media, the Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein and the Ministry of Culture of the City of Hamburg. In addition, events and initiatives are supported by private sponsors and film institutions.

Czech Film Center Danish Film Institute Estonian Film Institute eye international (The Netherlands) Film Center Serbia Film Fund Luxembourg Finnish Film Foundation Flanders Image Georgian National Film Center German Films Greek Film Centre Icelandic Film Centre Instituto de la Cinematografa y de las Artes Audiovisuales / ICAA (Spain) Instituto do Cinema e do Audiovisual I.P. / ICA (Portugal) Irish Film Board Istituto Luce Cinecittà (Italy) Kosova Cinematography Center Lithuanian Film Centre Macedonian Film Agency Magyar Filmunió / International Division of the Hungarian National Film Fund Ministry of Culture of Montenegro National Film Centre of Latvia Norwegian Film Institute Polish Film Institute Romanian Film Promotion

www.efp-online.com

Slovak Film Institute Slovenian Film Centre Swedish Film Institute Swiss Films UniFrance films Wallonie Bruxelles Images

T H A N K

Y O U !

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Main Partner

Automobile Partner

Third Partner

Special Thanks

Event Partners

medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH

Main Media Partner

Media Partners

The participating EFP members

Imprint Publisher: European Film Promotion Idea & Concept: Karin Dix Editors: Karin Dix, Sabine Rolinski Texts and Interviews: Karen Arikian Design: Carolin Rauen Main Font: Archive by Colophon Foundry, London Print: Die Medienmanager Wehmeyer+Heinrich GmbH Credit Cover: Domhnall Gleeson, Irish Shooting Star 2011 © Markus Nass Credits page 3: Anders Clausen (Joachim Fjelstrup), Jens Koch (Jannis Niewöhner), Saara Salama (Emmi Parviainen), Charlie Carter (Hera Hilmar), The Lisa Richards Agency (Moe Dunford), Vytenis Krisciunas (Aiste Diržiute), Marc de Groot (Abbey Hoes), Bernardo Doral (Natalia de Molina), Hannes Caspar (Sven Schelker), capturethespirit.co.uk (Maisie Williams).

Credits page 7: André Poling Credits back: Anders Clausen (Joachim Fjelstrup), Jens Koch (Jannis Niewöhner), Saara Salama (Emmi Parviainen), Íris Björk (Hera Hilmar), Tomek Bogut (Moe Dunford), Vytenis Krisciunas (Aiste Diržiute), Marc de Groot (Abbey Hoes), Sergio Lardiez (Natalia de Molina), Hannes Caspar (Sven Schelker), Joseph Molines/Assistant Magazine (Maisie Williams).

Audi – Partner of the Berlinale.

shootingstars.eu

Switzerland Sven Schelker

Finland Emmi Parviainen

Lithuania

Ireland Moe Dunford

Iceland Hera Hilmar

United Kingdom Maisie Williams

The Netherlands Abbey Hoes

Denmark Joachim Fjelstrup

European Film Promotion Friedensallee 14 — 16 • 22765 Hamburg Phone +49 40 39 06 252 • info@ efp-online.com www.efp-online.com

Spain Natalia de Molina

Germany Jannis Niewöhner