As I delve into the captivating lives and careers of these extraordinary artists, I find myself awestruck by their resilience, versatility, and sheer talent. Each one of them has navigated through unique paths, gracing our screens with performances that resonate deeply and leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
The European Shooting Stars jury has unveiled the cast for 2025, the program that spotlights up-and-coming European actors. Previous participants have included Riz Ahmed, Leonie Benesch, George MacKay, Carey Mulligan, Alba Rohrwacher, Bill Skarsgård, Alicia Vikander, and Maisie Williams.
At the 75th Berlinale, scheduled from February 13 to 23, the actors will make their appearance before the international media, film industry, and public. Over a customized four-day schedule, they will participate in various events, culminating with an awards ceremony on February 17 at the Berlinale Palast. This program is orchestrated by European Film Promotion and receives backing from the MEDIA Programme of the European Union’s Creative Europe initiative.
For its 28th edition, the selected actors hail from various countries: Marina Makris (representing Cyprus), Besir Zeciri (Denmark), Maarja Johanna Mägi (Estonia), Devrim Lingnau (Germany), Elín Hall (Iceland), Kārlis Arnolds Avots (Latvia), Šarūnas Zenkevičius (Lithuania), Lidija Kordić (Montenegro), Vicente Wallenstein (Portugal) and Frida Gustavsson (Sweden).
The Shooting Stars were chosen by a panel that included Romanian director and screenwriter Radu Muntean, Swedish casting director Pauline Hansson, Swiss producer Amel Soudani, French actor and previous Shooting Star Ludivine Sagnier, and Montenegrin journalist and curator Vuk Perović.
More recently, Cypriot performer Makris received the title of Best Actress at the International Festival of Cyprus Film Days for her portrayal in Adonis Floridis’ drama “Africa Star” (2024). The jury was captivated by her “allure,” praising Makris as a “tremendously talented and intelligent actress.” They noted that she possesses an intense, deep gaze and embodies a powerful femininity that suggests she could shoulder the weight of the world.
Originally from Copenhagen and of Albanian descent, Zeciri embodies a fresh wave of diversity among Scandinavian actors. Initially contemplating a job in law enforcement, he found himself drawn away when he joined a theater group in 2009. Since then, his acting career has flourished, reaching its peak with a starring role in Magnus von Horn’s “The Girl With the Needle” (2024), which debuted at Cannes and was Denmark’s submission for the Oscars. The panel praised his “powerful screen presence that leaves audiences struggling to erase him from their memories.
Mägi is widely recognized among Estonian viewers, captivating both adults and children on local television. Her fame escalated with her role in Elmo Nüganen’s movie trilogy “Melchior the Apothecary” (2022), for which she received the award for best film actress at the Estonian Film Awards. The jury commended her versatility, particularly in her recent work “Aurora” (2025).
The jury stated: “She adopts various personas, yet every one reveals an unsettled spirit. Her character embodies strict religious beliefs, which are dramatically expressed through her efforts to instigate change within her family, much like a powerful storm.
Born in Mannheim to a Turkish father and a German mother, the talented German actor Lingnau made a strong impression in the British horror film “Carmilla” (2019). She is also known for her role as the leading lady in the Emmy-winning Netflix drama series “The Empress” (2022), which earned her the best newcomer award at the German Screen Actor Awards. In the upcoming thriller “Hysteria” (2025), directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, the jury has praised Lingnau for her immersive performance, stating that she seamlessly blends into her character without any visible techniques – as if she is truly living in the moment and not acting at all, but instead embodying the truth of the story.
Originally from Canada, Elin Hall hailing from Iceland has made her mark in films such as “Let Me Fall” (2018) and “Cold” (2023). Her portrayal of the intricate emotions of grief in Rúnar Rúnarsson’s “When the Light Breaks” (2024), which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, has garnered her numerous accolades. The jury praised Elin, stating she embodies her characters so deeply that viewers are captivated and cannot tire of her performance. In the film, she harbors a secret, making the audience feel like they are her only confidant. Additionally, Elin is versatile, balancing her career in music with two albums to her name.
Latvian acting talent Avots is making a name for himself by tackling demanding roles. His work in Viesturs Kairisš’ film “January” (2022), which represented Latvia at the Academy Awards, earned him the best actor award at the Rome Film Festival. He later received the top actor prize at Series Mania in Lille for his portrayal in “Soviet Jeans” (2024), a performance that also impressed the Shooting Stars jury.
The panel noted that his acting abilities seamlessly transition between comedy and drama. He manages to infuse humor into his characters, yet portrays deep sorrow as well. His performance is vibrant and full of energy, but also tender and emotional.
The Lithuanian actor Zenkevičius has appeared in films such as “Frost” (2017) which debuted at Cannes, and “The Flood Won’t Come” (2020), which made its debut in Venice. Other notable performances include the short film “I Was Max” (2022) and his lead role in Ignas Jonynas’s “Borderline” (2025), where he portrays a distressed ornithologist who becomes entangled in smuggling activities.
His acting left an impression on the judges: “As the movie’s intensity heightened, he skillfully held all the mounting tension within himself without ever overacting. It would have been simple for him to become melodramatic, but he managed to steer clear of that pitfall. Instead, he masterfully contained all his energy, building up a pressure that was palpable and reminiscent of a time bomb waiting to detonate.
Born in Montenegro, actor Kordić made his professional debut while still attending drama school. Following lead roles in the local film “Working Class Goes to Hell” (2023) and Turkish production “Ataturk 1881-1919” (2023), Kordić will appear next in the upcoming Italian feature, “Diva Futura,” set for release in 2025.
The panel admires Kordić for her bravery, commending her captivating and persuasive portrayal in a lavish historical production where she takes on the role of the well-known adult entertainer Cicciolina.
2021 proved beneficial for Portuguese actor Wallenstein, as he landed the leading role in Luis Filipe Rocha’s “Your Face Will be the Last.” Additionally, this opportunity enabled him to showcase his musical abilities as a pianist.
The jury appreciates Wallenstein’s abundance of complex characters and his unique adaptability, praising his acting for skillfully portraying the internal strife and emotional turmoil within his character in a delicate, nuanced manner.
Last year, Wallenstein graced the screens of “Romagem” and “After Dance – a Concert Film.” Additionally, he made a short cameo in “Paddington in Peru.
Born in Sweden, Gustavsson’s acting roots can be traced back to the Bergmanian school of performance. This background was clearly showcased in her intricate portrayal of Marieanne in the 2024 drama series “Faithless,” an adaptation of an original screenplay penned by a renowned filmmaker. Since its debut at Toronto, the series has garnered widespread acclaim.
The jury, who describe her as an “engaging and captivating performer,” heaps praise upon her: “She radiates energy even when idle. Her portrayal in ‘Faithless’ offers a formidable challenge, yet she handles the role with such nuance and intimacy. She effectively conveys intense emotions through understated means.
Besides her roles in prominent series like “Vikings: Valhalla” (2022) and “The Witcher” (2019) on Netflix, Gustavsson has also garnered praise for her performances. For instance, she was part of the Swedish film “Tigers” (2020), which was an Oscar contender. In the future, you’ll see her acting alongside Joel Kinnaman in “Ice Fall” (2025).
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2024-12-11 11:47