Noomi Rapace on Film’s Artistry and Her New Movie ‘Mother’

Noomi Rapace, serving on the Sarajevo competition jury, visited the Variety Lounge presented by the Sarajevo Film Festival and BH Telecom to discuss her connection with the Balkan region.

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Although it’s her first time in Sarajevo, Rapace expressed a deep appreciation for films from the Balkan region, praising their bravery and passion. She emphasized the significance of the Sarajevo Film Festival, stating it could be one of the most important film festivals due to the transformative power of films. According to her, films allow people to discover stories, characters, and emotions that they would otherwise never encounter.

Rapace reminisced about her role in Macedonian-Australian director Goran Stolevski’s film, “You Are Never Alone.” She described how Stolevski made her feel completely safe, even in scenes where she had to be nude, describing him as a fascinating and gentle director with a strong vision.

Rapace mentioned her attraction to compelling filmmakers and stories, regardless of their setting. She emphasizes her intention to bring her truth to every project. She particularly admires directors who are ready to fully explore and push the boundaries of a genre.

Currently, Rapace is deeply involved in preparation with another Macedonian director, Teona Mitevska. Their film, “Mother,” which focuses on a week in the life of the 38-year-old Mother Teresa, is set to begin shooting in a month.

Rapace is also exploring the field of producing and finds joy in discovering different aspects of filmmaking. She hints that her journey in the film industry might bring her closer to taking on the role of a director in the future.