Interview with Chantal Nchako, from acting to humanitarian work

You are considered a rising star in cinema, especially after winning an award at the Queen Palm International Film Festival for your performance in 2018's BEAST, and you will soon be cast in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, can you tell us about your role in this new film?

I’m thrilled to be part of this iconic franchise alongside a celebrated film icon. Portraying Officer Moore, a parking enforcement officer, provides an intriguing platform to showcase my comedic talent. It is a significant opportunity to learn from Eddie Murphy, whose generosity as a scene partner allows me to improvise freely and creatively.

In the critically acclaimed Distant Tales, you play the role of Neoma, do you have any anecdotes you remember from that experience?

Filming my scenes for this pandemic-themed film amidst the pandemic required remote collaboration with an Italian crew via Zoom. Due to language barriers, I acted as a translator for the Italian crew. Translating the director's notes underscored the complexity of directing. Great directors comprehend all facets of filmmaking, beyond just acting or camera work. This experience deepened my appreciation for the comprehensive skill set necessary for directing and heightened my mindfulness as an actor.

Who is Chantal Nchako? Do you have a favourite role from the novels or cinema that you would like to play? A hobby? Or anything else that defines you as an actress or as a woman and a person?

As an experienced artist and mentor deeply passionate about inspiring creativity, portraying Cleopatra feels like a natural fit for me. Cleopatra's intelligence and strategic prowess serve as powerful inspirations for me. This role offers me the opportunity to embody my cultural roots, especially as a member of the Bamiléké people, who are believed to have originated from Egypt and settled in Cameroon around the 14th century. My identity as both an actress and a woman is shaped by my adaptability and rich international heritage.

Do you have any interests in Italy, where you live in Syracuse? What do you love most about Italy and what about your country of origin or your life experience would you bring back to Italy?

Both countries exhibit vibrant, stress-free lifestyles with access to fresh, healthy foods and share similar family values. Drawing on this common ground, I integrate cultural exchange into my dance and acting classes at the Silva Arte e Danza Academy in Siracusa. Talented students eagerly anticipate our upcoming 4-day workshop in July. Furthermore, in Milan, renowned for luxury, my shoe brand Choobiz effortlessly merges African heritage with Italian finesse. Explore the collection at www.choobizllc.com.

What inspired you to become an actress? And what are your future projects?

Inspired by classic films such as Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals and Sergio Leone's Westerns, particularly those featuring Clint Eastwood, I've learned the importance of authenticity and talent. This fuels my dedication to acting. Currently, I'm developing several humanitarian projects and working on two screenwriting projects.

Photo credit to Bonnie Nichoalds