Star interview: Jennifer Ulrich
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Culture
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Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
JENNIFER ULRICH “I NEED TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE STORY” Actress and photographer Jennifer Ulrich has starred in many varied films and series throughout her life, including in Die Welle and We Are The Night. In this interview, she speaks about her latest project, Die Whistleblowerin, her love for photography, the meaning of home, and more. INTERVIEW BY NANE STEINHOFF
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PHOTOS: VERO BIELINSKI
DISCOVER GERMANY: How did you get into acting? Was this always your dream job? What do you love about the job? Jennifer Ulrich: I was actually discovered by a scout in a youth club when I was 15 years old. She was looking for young women to meet the director Maria von Heland who was about to shoot her coming-of-age drama Big Girls Don't Cry in Berlin. I had expressed my wish to become an actress several times before but I had no connection to the film business whatsoever and in a time when Google wasn't even existing in Germany and a stable internet connection was a rarity the possibility of ever getting close to that wish appeared quite unlikely. I do not recollect the exact moment when and why this wish of becoming an actress developed inside of me. I just remember that I woke up one day and thought "this is what I want to do", like it was meant to be.
DISCOVER GERMANY: How do you usually choose your roles? Are there certain factors that you take into account? Jennifer Ulrich: First of all, I need to fall in love with the story. It should be an interesting, gripping and well-written script with a story that matters, that touches me and a
character that resonates with me. I prefer characters that do not have a lot in common with me personally because that means a more intense preparation and on-set work for me. It means I need to learn new things and create a person from scratch, digging deeper into my own emotional spectrum to bring the character to life. The more the challenge of playing a character scares me the more I want to do it. If, on top, there is a political and/or socially relevant message involved I'm completely hooked. I absolutely adore it when films can make a difference, touch sensitive issues and strike a nerve.
DISCOVER GERMANY: Which shoot do you remember most and why? Jennifer Ulrich: Shooting Die Welle was a lot of fun. We were a big bunch of young actors spending a whole summer together. We were highly motivated, loved the script and were growing together as a group very easily because we wanted to tell this story in the best way possible. We shared the same vibe and spent almost every day together even when we were not on set. I remember this time as a joyful, creative and inspiring section of my life with a lot of smiles and enthusiasm.
DISCOVER GERMANY: What does the term ‘home’ mean to you? Where do you love to be most? Jennifer Ulrich: ‘Heimat‘ is a German word that has no proper English translation. It describes such a naturally and strong connection to your roots and mostly your birthplace that I actually do not feel to its full extent. I'm a Berliner and I love my city very much. I am thankful that it is my base and looking at the world's situation I absolutely understand the privilege of being born in Germany, in a time of safety, wealth and social protection. But apart from this I have this feeling of ‘Fernweh‘, a longing for the far away that is really present in my life. It's a very strong need for exploration and getting in touch with other cultures, people and traditions. But ‘Heimat‘ is always the safe base to come back to, the comfort zone.
DISCOVER GERMANY: In addition to acting, you are also interested in photography. What are you trying to express with your photography? What do you like to capture? Jennifer Ulrich: Preferably I take photos of people that I meet on my many travels. I love encounters, I love to observe and to be a silent participant of daily but yet for me so special situations. I want to catch moments that touch or impress me in a way. I see a great beauty in human encounters, unknown cultures and how sharing those moments brings us closer together in whatever way. I want people to see the world through my eyes for at least an instant. I think it’s December 2023
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