When we look back on 2022, we’ll remember a year that challenged our resourcefulness, emotions, unity, and finances. In the face of these obstacles, we learned the infinite value of togetherness. In THIS INTERVIEW we revisit the last 12 months from the perspective of actress and producer Emily De Margheriti.
Co-founder and director of Los Angeles, CA/Canberra, Australia based film company DEMS Entertainment, Emily took the independent movie industry by storm as the lead actress in acclaimed horror/comedy Sissy. Having already showcased her skill in front of and behind the camera in films Theatre of the Dead and I Hate Kids, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts graduate is certain to continue acting and producing with great success.
Emily took time out of her busy schedule to share some of her thoughts with us, answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2022 and what to expect from her in 2023. THIS is for YOU!
How would you summarize 2022?
2022 was a whirlwind adventure. I guess making a film during Covid really launched us out of hibernation. I traveled to Austin, Texas for the world premiere of Sissy at South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. I also toured the film festival circuit with Hannah Barlow, Kane Senes all around the world.
I attended Overlook Film Festival in New Orleans, BIFAN in South Korea, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Frightfest in London, Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival in Spain, and all over Australia. I just attended the AACTAS, which are Australia’s “Oscars” for the three nominations for Sissy, including Best Picture. So, 2022 was a whirlwind!
What was the best song, album, television show, movie, and podcast of the year?
Best song, “About Damn Time” by Lizzo because she’s a straight up a bad bitch and this song has pumped me up on numerous occasions.
Television show… You know I can’t pick just one; The Bear, The White Lotus, Ozark, The Peripheral, Dahmer, The Boys.
Movie, Sissy; but I might be biased.
Podcast, I’m a huge fan of On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
Did you read anything inspiring or influential that you would recommend to others?
The Big Magic. I found this very enjoyable and a new perspective on how creatives can stay active. It’s all about “Just doing it”, making a commitment to the craft and not giving up, not to compare ourselves to others or judge oneself, but to live with the challenges of having a creative lifestyle while at the same time finding one’s creative expression and developing one’s unique take on the content, and being true to oneself but at the same time being pragmatic about it all.
What’s something you did to help someone in need, whether you knew them or not?
I feel like I’m always trying to help others, whether it’s a hungover filmmaker at a festival event and giving them a bottle of water and electrolytes the next day, or mentoring students at Bus Stop Film – such an advocate for inclusive filmmaking, or handing my parking ticket to the guy taking my spot so he doesn’t need to get one. I also always carry a battery pack on me so If I see someone with a dead phone or any other need, I always offer. Kindness is free.
Recall for us the most surprising thing you heard all year.
If someone said “Hey, your first movie you make with your production company was going to out you up as a contender for an AACTA nomination and your film would have 3 nominations at the AACTAS versing Baz”, I wouldn’t believe you.
How did you celebrate your birthday?
I did a photoshoot with a wonderful man named Luke Dubbelde for Rush Magazine and, well, I found out I had covid after I got home. So sadly, I had to cancel all my plans. I got to celebrate it with family and friends a few weeks after!
Why is it important to live every moment of your life to the fullest?
Time is a gift, and we don’t know when our time is up, so I think it’s important to show up fully, each day. Whatever that looks like for you.
Were you able to achieve the goals you set?
I sure as hell crushed some goals this year, but I am always working towards new goals.
It’s a funny thing with goals. I have some I know I can achieve; like growing in this area as an actor or as a human, but unfortunately some of my goals can’t be achieved without others as it’s not in my control – I didn’t get into a TV show this year, but hey it’s still on my list. And if I can’t be cast, I’ll make my own show.
There’s always a way to reach them, different paths that reach the same goal. I always have micro goals or SMART goals, if you will. I’m still growing and learning. I gently remind myself accomplishing goals is not success but how much you expand in the process is.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
I’m blessed and super lucky I was raised by such wonderful parents that support my creative endeavors and have helped build such a strong team around me. I know my blessings and am so grateful.
Tell us how you evolved over the last 12 months.
I have found my creative voice and confidence as an actor. I truly believe in myself and my capabilities so much more. I mean, I’ve always, I guess, been doing my thing but meeting new people always keeps me learning new things and I’m always trying to walk through life with an open mind and kindness.
Did you experience a defining moment?
I think my defining moment recently was very much unexpected and at the end of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) in Belgium, at the end of our festival tour.
At BIFFF, we were asked to sing a song on stage before our screenings. Terrifying, I know. What is worse is it’s a tradition that the audience chants and wants you to humiliate yourself. I didn’t want to do it at first, but I think in that moment a few hours before I said, “Who cares if I ‘embarrass’ myself”.
I just decided I wanted to embrace this uncomfortably and enjoy it. Why the heck not embarrass myself? I don’t let any fear take a hold of me. I won’t let my ego get in the way either. So, I sang and it felt good. In the moment I knew I was braver than I was fearful.
What can we expect from you in 2023?
You can expect me to audition my heart out. Making my own short films and working towards filming a feature/TV show is a goal. I always have a few things in the pipeline because sometimes it’s not all up to me, but I sure as hell will be making some entertaining and inspiring content for people to watch. | THIS ENT
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
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