BEYOND THE SCREEN: MELODIE SIMINA

You packed your bags in 2016 and moved from Switzerland to Cologne. Was that a big step for you?

A huge step, one that I really had to muster up the courage to take! But I knew it was the right thing to do; it was something I had to do. My sense of anticipation won out over my nervousness and to this day I am so grateful that I took the leap.

A little later, you moved to London. Was that linked to your breakthrough with the “DOMINA” series?

Although DOMINA is not directly connected to my move to London, it definitely opened up a whole new world for me. During the pandemic, I found myself longing more and more to take a really big step; to move to a country where my language is not spoken and immerse myself in a different culture and a different community. London is such a diverse city, I just HAD to experience it!

I also had the chance to work with an up-and-coming young director Beru Tessema. The British short film LIONS, which was nominated for a BIFA, poignantly highlights the different experiences of poverty in present-day Britain. I played the role of Rosie, a Congolese teenager who has just arrived in London. The film has won several awards, including the 2023 Award for Best Short Film of the African Movie Academy Awards, and I had the honour of being awarded Best Actress at Les Capucines du Cinéma.  

The German short film “I AM”, in which you played the lead role, was nominated for the Student Academy Awards in 2021. How did that impact your work?

It was all very exciting! Working with Jerry Hoffman was amazing, and I was very lucky to have Shery Hagen as a fellow actor at my side. It was a truly wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend supporting student projects as well. It’s a great way to reach a wide audience at films festivals and gain visibility. 

You celebrated the premiere of the “SCHWARZE FRÜCHTE” (BLACK FRUIT) series at Tribeca in New York and recently the German premiere at the Hamburg Film Festival. Can you share some of your personal highlights of the series?

I love this series so much and am so happy to see how much the audience enjoys it and feels understood! I’m proud that we can give a voice to people who unfortunately don’t have one otherwise. The series is vibrant and simply courageous and shows the authentic lives of black and queer people in Germany. The showrunner, Lamin Leroy Gibba, really dared to do something that makes the series so special. I hope we inspire or motivate more filmmakers, producers and writers to take more risks. That’s what our generation wants to see on TV. 

You are currently starring in Arthur Môlard’s psychological thriller “37: THE SHADOW AND THE PREY” – your first role in a French production, which is coming to cinemas in November. How did this collaboration come about? 

My agency, ACTORSgarden, entered into a collaboration with the French agency Maelle Venin. She told me about this project and suggested me for the project. The excellent script, written by Arthur Molard and Claire Patronik, captivated me and immediately drew me in as I read it. I could feel the pain of the story immediately – a difficult and intense narrative. A few weeks later, I got the call: Sony Films and Moana Films were impressed with me! I travelled to Paris for a live casting – and the rest is history! The film is an absolute must-see, an extraordinary cinema film with many art-house elements. 

You are multilingual and have appeared in British, German and French films. Are the film styles or the filming processes different?

The filming experience is different in every country, it depends entirely on the local culture. I learn something new on every set in every country where I have the opportunity to work. Over time, you get to know what to expect on set.

The topic of diversity is omnipresent. How do you perceive it in the film industry? Are there role models you find desirable in the industry?

Some countries are pioneers when it comes to diversity. England, for example. I love their series, but I also love the way they cast them. Or France, where the population is much more diverse, especially in Paris. This is also reflected in their films and series. But there is still room for improvement everywhere. I am pleased that the issue of diversity is now being taken more and more seriously in Germany, too.

As a person of colour, do you have a wider range of roles to choose from, or is the industry rather conservative in that respect?

The roles are getting better and better. I feel very privileged to be able to perform in so many roles. But it shouldn’t just be about casting diverse people to meet a quota. We also need real stories. We’re not here to fill a gap, but want complex roles, with real problems, love stories and so on. I am optimistic and hope that diversity will soon no longer be an issue and will instead be taken for granted.

Who would you like to work with on a film set?

My role models are Viola Davis and Natalie Portman. Both are not only extraordinary actresses, but also impressive personalities who inspire with their roles and their commitment. In her performances, Viola Davis often portrays women who demonstrate strength and authenticity in the face of great adversity. Her ability to portray profound emotions and complex characters deeply impresses me.   

Natalie Portman, on the other hand, fascinates me with her versatility and precision in the craft of acting. Whether in serious dramas or demanding action roles, she always manages to captivate viewers and portray her roles credibly and nuanced.

For me, both actresses represent a potent blend of talent, dedication and integrity. They show that it is possible for a woman not only to be successful in an often-challenging industry, but also to give others a voice and make a difference through her work. I would love to make a film with them! Who knows ... 

How culturally diverse is the Swiss film industry? Would you also like to shoot in Switzerland?

Sure, why not – shooting in my home country would be great. Just as in other countries, a change is underway in the film industry. New faces are being seen that have not been featured before. Stories are being told that have not been told before. Everything is becoming more and more diverse, freer and much more joyful. 

Have you had to overcome obstacles in your career?

As in every career, there are going to be hurdles. You need a lot of patience and ambition especially in this industry. You often get rejected and feel constantly rejected. Friends and family are also often sceptical because this job does not promise a secure income. You have to be able to stand firm and never give up. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. I know that after many rejections, offers with follow and that one positive response can completely change your life. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and chances that have been offered to me and I look forward to everything that is yet to come.