Diem Camille is an Ivorian-Danish actress, screenwriter, director and producer. She began her artistic journey with dance and gymnastics, studied drama, music and after graduating from Copenhagen Business School, she quickly broke into the film industry. Her directorial debut the short film Barbershoppen was selected for screenings at the Tribeca Festival in New York and in Tokyo. As an actress, she has appeared in projects such as Alien: Earth, The Wheel of Time, Alex Rider, and Washington Black and she also created, wrote, and starred in the series Bad Bitch, which was nominated for a Danish Robert Award.
Diem, hello! It's so lovely to be talking with you again. So much has happened since our last interview. The biggest news, of course, is your directorial debut with the short film The Barbershop. Huge congratulations! How are you feeling after such a big milestone?
— Thank you so much! I kind of feel like a caterpillar haha. So random, but I feel like I’ve started a new chapter in my career. A chapter I think my heart has always known would come, but my head has just caught up. Which makes me feel amazing, but also like, why didn’t I tune in earlier? I could have been an actress, writer and director 10 years ago. But then again, things happen for a reason right? I had to go through the things I went through, otherwise I wouldn’t have had the very valuable source of inspiration I have today. The source that has been the foundation to all my projects and characters I’ve worked on; my life and the people I meet along the way. So, I’m trusting the universe and the process that I’m about to embark on. It’s like I’m entering a new transition, one that I’m eager to learn from. Like starting university all over again, but this time, your parents didn’t force you and it’s not a school, but the world of cinema. And your grades don’t matter, only your imagination and your willingness to learn and werrrk.
What made you want to direct The Barbershop?
— I had actually convinced myself that I would only want to direct my own scripts, until I felt good enough to be responsible for others' stories. That conviction probably came from insecurity about not being good enough, if someone relies on you. So, you just tell yourself that you’re not ready. But when are you ever ready? Sometimes you just gotta go ahead and do it, and the readiness will come along as you prep your project. However, when my ridiculously talented lead and debuting writer Maada Mambu Kaikai reached out to me on dm, asking me to direct his script, I was initially like, “why me?” At our meeting, where I was prepared to suggest other brilliant directors, he told me that it was from watching the TV series, ‘Bad Bitch’ that I created, wrote and starred in, that made him believe that he could create his own stories too. Which just goes to show that for some people, a physical manifestation of your dreams is needed, in order to make the impossible possible. As you can imagine, I was really freaking happy and proud that we achieved that with the series. Opening doors is the point of everything I do.
When I read Maada’s brilliantly funny script, I deeply recognised the tragic feeling of being an outsider in your own culture, and instantly knew how I would direct it, being a super duper visual person. That and my mantra, “I’ve never tried that before, but I might be good at it” (inspired by an Astrid Lindgren quote) made me say yes! I had so much faith in Maada, and so much faith in my ambition. In the end, as a director, their stories become your stories too.
The Barbershop had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in New York and then in Tokyo and latest in Palm Springs. That's incredible. What goes through your mind knowing your work has received this kind of recognition?
— A big old happy scream! It’s quite incredible and feels almost unreal. I seriously didn’t expect these festivals. I’m usually an extremely ambitious person, but I forced myself to only expect our own Oscar qualifying Danish festival. So, when we didn’t get into that one, I was deeply disappointed, to be honest. I didn’t see that coming, and I had really looked forward to premiere next to my friends, family and peers. But my optimism is pretty radical, so I quickly thought that we weren’t supposed to have a Danish premiere. The Barbershop was supposed to have a World premiere in front of an international audience with this film. That in itself is a huge recognition. And all the laughs from the audience were a huge recognition. People from all corners of the world were laughing at times I didn’t even expect. It felt phenomenal. And I met so many inspiring people, and it was my first time in New York. I had a conversation with Robert De Niro, I watched African films and ate good food. All of that, together with my team, was a highly appreciated recognition.
What feels closer to your heart right now: being in front of the camera, or directing behind it?
— Directing seems to be how my mind works. Writing seems to be an outlet for my soul. And acting is part of my heart, my breath. So, right now, my answer is acting. Also because I miss it so much! I miss being present in a character. I miss connecting with a co-star. I miss being on set and creating magic. I miss feeling all the feels that normally need a key in my daily life.
What do you look forward to this summer?
— A much deserved vacation with my husband, where we do absolutely nothing. When you’re always doing something, it's really nice to have someone who can help you do nothing. And he’s just so good at helping me in the right direction, for my body and my mind. So despite the fact that I have been around the world a lot, and maybe even because of it, the perfect summer for me is not actually a place. It's a mood. The mood of a raggedy picnic blanket, the smell of mirabelles, strawberries and an insane amount of watermelon, alcohol-free 1664 Blanc, my hands caressing the grass in exchange for letting it tickle my feet, while I disappear in my favorite color blue as far as the sky goes, the sound of the birds having get-togethers in the trees, that one mini denim skirt that doesn't flatten my ass and the sun kissing my thick thighs as my husband slathers them in SPF 50, cuz gurl, ain't nobody wanna play with UV. So let your partner help you be sensible, it's hot. Uuh, and the smell of lemons, mmmh. I'm a sucker for sour things. I can devour a whole lemon with a smile, big enough to show the pulp between my teeth. Summers like those are freedom to me. This is also what vacation is to me. Freedom, inner peace and that you don't have to "dare" to be yourself, you can actually just be. A vacation is also a break from all the roles you have to maintain in your everyday life, so that only your true self remains. And come on, that person is the coolest to hang out with! Am I right?
In our last interview, we talked about your work on projects like Alex Rider and Bad Bitch. Your filmography has grown since then! I saw you in The Wheel of Time, where you play Tsutama Rath, one of the Red Ajah. It's such a massive fantasy world. What was that experience like for you?
— It was very special, because it was my first time on anything in that scale. And Robert Jordan’s world is so grand and gorgeous. I was so honored to embody such an elegantly sassy powerhouse like Tsutama Rath, the Highest of the Reds. It was my first full fleshed fantasy role. First time with powers, something we’ve all dreamed of since we were kids. First time in beautiful Prague. First time meeting Willem Dafoe, at the hotel, which was insane. So, it was a very eventful experience haha. My fondest memories are eating breakfast with the outstanding and kind cast, learning to wield my powers through choreography, becoming friends with Olivia Williams (Queen Morgase), and watching wonderful legends like Sophie Okonedo (Siuan) and Shohreh Aghdashloo (Elaida).
Let's imagine fantasy worlds were real. What would you want to be: an Aes Sedai, a dragon, a human, or something else entirely?
— I would want to be the ageless wise woman in the village with unexpected tremendous power. One she only uses in an impossible situation to save the village or even the world.
You know I love finding connections between the people I've interviewed in the past and the ones I'm talking to now. I've interviewed Taylor Napier and Priyanka Bose. Is there any behind-the-scenes story involving all of you that you'd be willing to share?
— Let’s just say, I was ready to faint when I met Taylor for the first time. He is so freaking gorgeous, it’s unfair. And just as nice! I also remember watching Priyanka with Taylor and another Adonis, Anthony, while we were out. Priyanka was so sexy, powerful and elegantly loud. She was so wise when we spoke, you can tell she really knows herself and her power. I was like, Alanna is so lucky to be played by her. Perfect casting. Outstanding casting throughout the whole show actually, in the hands of Kelly Valentine Hendry!
I have to be honest. I really loved that show and I was genuinely sad when it got cancelled. How did you take that news?
— I was really really shocked. I did not even see a situation where we wouldn’t at least get a 4th season to properly end the storylines, somehow. There was so much left for everyone, and I had so looked forward to that journey. It was crushing. Especially because in my opinion, we peaked with season 3. An absolute stunner of a season, story, visuals, styling, oh my goodness. I know it’s one of those industry things that just happens sometimes, but I was so happy and proud to see the amount of love, dedication, outrage, solutions, billboards, petitions, videos and hashtags by the fanbase. It’s truly some of the best fans ever! A big thank you for pushing giants. Because you never know.
How do you feel about the fantasy genre in general? Do you have any favourite fantasy projects yourself?
— I’ve believed that everything is possible, since I was a little African kid in Denmark. The thing about fantasy is that literally everything is possible. Dreams come true, goodness prevails and there can’t be darkness without light. Whether it’s the stars on the black sky or your eyes lighting up in the dark. Fantasy tells those stories in such a colorful, nuanced and diverse way. It’s a genre that I feel very deeply about, because I feel like myself. Because my imagination can take space and feel normal. Because I’m never the only one in fantasy, there are whole civilizations like me represented on screen. Everyone’s weirdness and otherness is on display, with pride.
I’m a cartoon geek, so X-Men is one of my favorites. I used to wake up at 6 am just to catch an episode before school. I also absolutely love The Lord of the Rings and Narnia, but The Neverending Story was probably my first fantasy, so it will always have my heart. And the main song is iconic. “Neverending stoooryyyy aaah...”
One of my all-time favourites is Shadow and Bone, which also got cancelled after two seasons. Kit Young was in that show, and he's now part of the Alien: Earth cast with you! Did you two get a chance to connect on the series?
— We were in Thailand for 7 months total, but it only takes you one day to see how Kit is a magician through and through. He is intelligently funny, so kind and welcoming, walks and dances like a “smooth criminal”, is an actual magician and he’s a phenomenal actor. You never feel alone when he’s around, he is so fun.
Sandra Yi Sencindiver is also in Alien: Earth, and I know you're friends. What's it like working on the same project as a close friend?
— It’s the best! Not only do you have a companion in everything, a partner in crime, you also have a real friend who will visit a thousand restaurants with you, without asking. It felt so safe having Sandra there. No matter what happened, we had each other. We laughed, we screamed and we did a whole lot of shopping. She’s iconic in her fashion and personally. There’s so much respect, love and awe between us.
What are your strongest memories from filming Alien: Earth? Was there a particular scene or moment that really stayed with you?
— Seeing Cameron Brown in the Xenomorph suit for the first time was beyond iconic. In the scene where he jumps after Hermit in the staircase, I felt like I was actually in Alien. It was unreal. The Xeno was so beautifully made, shining, drooling, tall and ruthless. Cameron killed it! That jump in front of me and Moe was so scary, exciting and straight out of a trailer, which is funny because it did end up in a trailer. A moment that stayed with me, was watching a previz of my biggest stunt, in front of my stunt coordinator/2nd unit director Rob Inch. Suddenly my body realized where it was and what it was about to do, and I completely broke down crying happy tears. “I’m in Alien: Earth” I said. He was like, “yes you are, now let’s get to work.”
You also starred in Washington Black. That show has a lot of outdoor, natural locations. Was there one location that you especially fell in love with?
— Uh I love that show. It’s so beautiful watching Africans be the inventors that we are, falling in love and going on amazing adventures. One of the adventures had to take place on African soil, shot in Mexico. We went to this huge outdoor waterpark with glittering turquoise lakes instead of pools, with palmtrees and jungle vibes. It was magnificent. I really felt like we were making magic, with the great help from Mother Earth. Mexico became my top 5 favorite places after that job. We were really spoiled by its nature, food and great people.
If you had to describe Washington Black in three words, what would they be?
— Inventive, african, proud.
What is the ultimate dream role for you as an actor?
— A mix of Catherine Tramell in "Basic Instinct", but less murder and more comedy.
What upcoming projects can fans look forward to seeing you in?
— Nothing I can reveal at the moment, but I’m really excited.
Do you have a mission statement for your career?
— I think we are all here for a reason. For something and for someone. We have a purpose. And with that purpose comes a mission. My mission has been the same since I embarked on this crazy ride of a career. So, my mission statement is that everything I write is to open the door for the ones behind me. Everything I direct is to open the door for the ones next to me. Every role I take is to open the door for the ones who will come after me. I know my power. And we should all know our power. My power is that I'm a physical manifestation of my dreams, and therefore somebody else's. I don't take that lightly. I carry that with love and honor. Which is why I'm a mentor for young Danish minorities, a series creator for the biggest network, a consultant for new voices, I'm in film festival juries and work with the film workshop houses in Denmark, while acting, directing and writing film, TV and plays. Trust me, I have fun doing what I do, but actively making the road behind me a tiny bit easier for the next generation, is by far my favourite kind of fun.
Now let's move on to the blitz round. Shall we see what's changed since last time?
Favourite movie?
— “Kirikou and the Sorceress”.
Favorite TV series?
— “Westworld”.
Favorite game?
— I’m not a gamer, but I love watching my husband game Ghost of Yōtei.
Favorite book?
— Dragon Ball.
Your favorite quote?
— “I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.” - Myself, inspired by a rumored Pippi Longstocking quote.
Favorite color?
— All shades of blue.
Your favorite singer/band/composer?
— FKA Twigs and Hans Zimmer.
Your favorite song?
— Home With You and Time.
Three recent songs you've added to your playlist?
— Charli xcx: Wink Wink, Time And Trust: Naomi Sharon, Baby again..: Fred again..
Marvel or DC?
— Storm and Batman.
What's your Hogwarts House?
— Gryffindor.
Do you have an idol and if you do, who is it and why?
— My mother, for inspiring me as a woman. And Viola Davis for inspiring me as an actress.
