Meet the Finalist: Diêm Camille G., "DOLL"
Tell us about yourself, and about DOLL.
My first film “doll” is a traumatic experience turned into a dialogue that I wrote for an audition in an elite theater school in Denmark. I got to the 2nd audition out of 3, got positive feedback, and chose to see it as a sign. I called in my dream team of 4 people and shot the film in less than 1,5 hours the day before my birthday. I woke up the next morning knowing that I had accomplished my goal before turning 27 (my “you’re doing what you love” age). I’m Diêm, an actress/screenwriter living in the land of the vikings, Denmark, and originally from Ivory Coast. Due to language barriers and misunderstandings my whole life, I studied communication and incorporated that into the scripts that I’ve been writing for 10 years. Ways to communicate and the unsaid are so fascinating to me, so that was alpha omega in “doll” when addressing rape.
Share a memorable moment you experienced working on this project.
There were so many memorable moments on this project and with the team. Just being able to wholeheartedly jump into the dark waters and face my past, was therapeutic, breathtaking and such a beautiful relief. However, the moment it was announced that I won Best First Time Director and Best Actress in an Indie Film, was really special to me too because my mom aka #1 supporter was visiting. We rarely see each other and the timing of it all just made me sob like a baby, while she was screaming and thanking God for minutes. It was very intense. It was my first film, first wins, mom there, middle of the night after a long day, wine and good food. Wow. Just a room full of gratitude and hope.
Name 3 collaborators that you'd take with you to any other project.
I would take my 3 crew members, DoP Clara Kokseby, still photographer Preston Drake-Hillyard who created my amazing poster, and got Supersonic CPH to help edit our sound, and sound designer/mixer Carl Emil Brønnum who put in the final touch to elevate the project. They are gold.
3 tips you’d like to share with aspiring artists in your field:
Considering that I have only been in the business for 3 consecutive years, I don’t feel like I can give the kind of advice those superhero filmmakers can, who can basically just look at you, and you’ll drop your burger and instantly know what life-changing action you have to take. What I can say and what I have done, since starting out as an extra, probably had every job there is on set, to becoming a producer and now an actress/screenwriter, is simply: If you don’t know how, try it. Because it might just be one more thing that you’re good at!
People will always remember the ones who fought their way up, and will always work with the ones who accept, include and show love. If you have talent on top of that, you already made it.
What do you hope to achieve in your career in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I am an acknowledged actress and screenwriter. I have made powerful films that speak to the underdogs, and acted in several productions including at least one for global streaming (so cool). In the next 5 years I’ll meet superhero directors and people that I share dreams with in film, people interested in elevating each other in the business and succeed together.
I can’t wait to meet you.
Diêm Camille G. is nominated for Best First Time Director of the Year at the New York Film Awards.
