What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The thing I love most about my work is the frame into which images are integrated. This dimensional space in which all the palettes of feelings and emotions telescope, inviting us to dream or reflect. Making films, whether in front of or behind the camera, means making a contribution, however small, to the edifice of human thought, and on another level, a little love.

What is my idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is quite simple: live in a house in the country with lots of animals and a vegetable garden. Preparing meals with vegetables from that garden, entertaining friends and family and sharing laughter and good red wine.

What is my greatest fear?

After a long consultation with myself, I agree that my greatest fear is that of becoming impotent and dependent on others for simple gestures.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I get angry when I can’t assert myself, when I can’t say no or stop when the situation is unbearable, because I’m sometimes certain that my refusal will hurt someone.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

Women! In this business, women have to do more, give more, suffer more, be stronger.

What is my greatest extravagance?

Having booked a plane ticket to spend a month in northern Norway in the middle of winter at minus 30 degrees Celsius. Having booked a plane ticket to spend a month in northern Norway in the middle of winter at minus 30 degrees Celsius.

On what occasion would I lie?

I wish I never had to lie again in my life, but I would if the emotional health of someone close to me was in danger.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

My work is based on desire, and I can’t stand being in someone else’s way. To be loved one day and hated the next, often for trivial reasons.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

Recently, last month, in Paris, I was chosen to work on a series behind the camera and for a commercial in front of the camera. I felt so whole!

If I could, what would I change about myself?

There’s not much to change about me, I’ve learned to love the person I am. Physically, I tell myself that sometimes the little bump on my nose shouldn’t be there, and then I forget. On the other hand, imposter syndrome sometimes overwhelms me, even though I’m always working and I know that I’m legitimate in what I do.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

I’m extremely proud of the documentary I made: Ceci n’est pas un tapis. (This is not a carpet). I can’t wait for a TV channel to show it, because it tells the story of admirable women who are not given a voice, anonymous people who have a sharp eye for our world.

Where would I most like to live?

I was born with my soles in the wind and I feel capable of living anywhere in the world. If it were possible, I’d like to live somewhere for two years and then spend a few months somewhere else, discovering the world and sharing cultures and rituals from all over the world.

What is my most treasured possession?

I’m not a materialist, but my most precious object is my computer, because it’s full of documents and photos, and allows me to be in our world. A window on knowledge.

What is my most marked characteristic?

What characterizes me most is my fierce defense of my solitude. I love contact and sharing, but above all I prefer to spend long moments alone.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Whenever I can avoid public transport, especially when the weather is fine, I like
to stroll around Paris and spend long moments on the Pont des Arts, watching
the water of the Seine flow by. Whether empty or crowded with passers-by,

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I love to feast in Belleville at Dong Huong, a popular Vietnamese restaurant. At the other end of the spectrum, I like to have a drink in front of the fireplace at the Park Hyatt hotel on Rue de la Paix.

What books influenced my life and how?

The books that have influenced me the most are: Lady Chatterley’s Lover – D. H. Lawrence because the heroine chooses her life without worrying about what people will say, which is similar to what I’ve always done.

Les liaisons dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos. What a work! The first epistolary novel I ever read where the plot is built letter by letter, and this book was decisive in my choice of literary studies.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Before I die, I’ll listen to Verdi’s La Traviata, relive Violetta’s emotions and weep the aria È strano!

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

My fictional heroine is Anna Karenina. I can’t explain why, but she represents femininity in all its complexity.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

In my real life, my heroes and heroines are my children, they are my joy. They are strong, independent, lively, happy and generous.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

If there’s one film I’d recommend seeing, it’s Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s All about Eve 1950.

What role play stories in my life and work?

I love to play and, above all, to dress up. Whenever possible, I don the costume of an unreal or unattainable creature. However, the role I often play is that of the femme fatale, seductive and dangerous. And in my work as an actress, I always play different roles.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

Beyond being the storyteller of your own life, you are its architect. The choices we make, the actions we take, shape our lives and give them a certain direction. Is there a determinism or destiny that predestines our lives? All I can say is that I’ve given myself the freedom to live a thousand different lives, and that’s had an impact on who I’ve become.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My biggest fan, my partner in crime, my sponsor is my older sister, I love her company, I love her intelligence and I love the confidence she has always given me.

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

I’d like to work with great directors like Guillermo Del Toro. Quentin Dupieux, Olivier Marchal.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

I’m planning to make a new documentary about the Sámi people above the Arctic Circle, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m planning to make a new documentary about the Sámi people above the Arctic Circle, and I can’t wait to get started.

Where can you see me or my work?

Most of my work is not visible because it was done behind the camera.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

These few words are the driving force of life. Can you imagine a life without passion, and my life is a succession of passions. Doing, undertaking, creating, living without passion makes no sense to me. Passion is the breath of life!

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

• Laure Zaehringer
• Ines pratz Le Poullenec
• José Manlius
• Eddy Lesage

How can you contact me?

• Facebook: Najoua Najoua
• Instagram: Gabi Arcane N