INTERVIEW – A few years ago, rapper Fiancó began his transformation, becoming actress Sofia Zerman. After several supporting roles (The savages, Before the fire goes out, Silver Venus…), he is at the top of the bill Barbes, Little Algeria.
He is the hero of Hassan Guerrar’s vibrant and promising first film. In Barbes, Little Algeria, Sofia Zerman plays Malek, who during a health crisis reconnects with his roots and comes to terms with his past, discovering Barbes and his community.
Madame Figaro. – My state of mind at the moment?
Sofia Zermani. – Conqueror. Cinema is more suitable for me today to express myself as an artist. I loved doing it with music, but I associated rap with youthful energy. I never envisioned myself as an “old rapper.” Today, I’m thriving on set.
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Why should we see? Barbes, Little Algeria ?
For the energy, sincerity and perspective of Hasan Guerrar, a director who stands for the truth and the moment. Barbès is the main character in his film, and he portrays him as he knows and loves him, with non-professional actors, people living in the neighborhood who give the story great authenticity.
My character?
Malek is halfway between Hassan and me. I recognize myself in his burial, in his modesty, in the shelves that he never opens. This shoot was an intense experience that touched my privacy.
During filming, I…
Observed and contributed to improve my teaching. I have projects for feature films, TV series, I write, develop, co-produce, but I’m still busy.
I used to associate rap with youthful energy
Sofia Zerman
Are you talking about me being promoted, out?
No way. Doing this job means drawing attention to yourself, asking people to pay to see us, to hear us; it’s a narcissistic approach. I assume so.
Wooden tongue or very sharp?
Spontaneous. I’m not afraid of being ugly or saying stupid things in interviews. I don’t claim to be perfect, and this created a real connection with the audience that I appreciate.
Questions I prefer not to answer.
Those that relate to my personal life or topics that I consider to be illegitimate. For example, religious or political issues. I have an opinion, but if I wanted to share it on TV, I would become a believer or a member of parliament.
This shoot was an intense experience that touched my privacy
Sofia Zerman
What do I think when I see my reflection in the mirror?
I strive to become a better version of myself as I age to easily accommodate wrinkles and the marks of time.
I lie in interviews.
Not enough, according to my press officer. I am not always consensual. My songs have sometimes been criticized for that, but I don’t know how to do it any other way.
My holy fire.
Transmission. We improve by learning from and by others. When we receive, we give back. This is a strong belief among suburbanites like me.
Doing this job is a narcissistic approach that I embrace
Sofia Zerman
My inspiration?
Rebecca Zlotowski, a great friend, screenwriter and director I’ve had the opportunity to work with The savages. I also admire Reda Kateb, who was treated with unparalleled kindness Enemy brothers By David Oelhofen, the first film I directed. And Melville Pupo, a man of rare intelligence and talent. And then there are my soulmates, Lina Khoudri and Dali Benssalah. We do not understand each other with them, we know each other.
Last time I was proud of myself?
I created a scholarship, a writing support award in Beja, my hometown in Algeria. I find it difficult to be satisfied with myself, but when I see the pride in the eyes of my father, my children, my family, my friends… I tell myself that I must have done something right.
Barbes, Little Algeria, By Hasan Gerar. Released on October 16.
Tigers and hyenas, By Jeremy Guez October 22nd on Prime Video.
Source: Le Figaro
