Cristina do Rego: “I’m tired of seeing the same female characters”

Born in Brazil and raised in Germany, actress Cristina do Rego speaks to Discover Germany, Austria & Switzerland about the German adaptation of the hit series Ghosts, why she decided to found a queer film collective and much more.

DISCOVER GERMANY: From March, you will be seen in the German adaptation of Ghosts – what can viewers look forward to?

Cristina do Rego: “We have created a wonderful adaptation of the British original. However, it is more than just a copy. We have produced six very funny episodes that can entertain the whole family. Viewers can look forward to a fantastic cast, a truly original story, and a group of extraordinary characters that have never been seen in this combination on German television before. It is just very funny.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: What do you love most about your role in this format?

Cristina do Rego: “I like challenges – and this one is truly special! My character can see ghosts that remain invisible to everyone else. You can imagine how challenging that can be on set – especially in scenes filmed from the perspective of my co-star – played by Benito Bause. Sometimes, I have to interact with invisible characters, which is both exciting and quite funny!”

DISCOVER GERMANY: You also founded a queer film collective. What was the reason behind it? Why is this important in the German film industry?

Cristina do Rego: “I’m simply tired of seeing the same female characters over and over again. I think it’s important to bring in new and diverse perspectives – both in front of and behind the camera. The German film industry needs this diversity because stories become richer and more exciting when they showcase different viewpoints. A woman can be so many things, and it’s exactly this range that makes characters more interesting and authentic. It’s about portraying women in all their facets – with strengths, weaknesses, humor, and depth. This is not only important but also better for the audience to have different stories.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: With Nevermind you are working on a queer short film – why is it important to give trans and non-binary talents more visibility in the German film industry? What is currently missing?

Cristina do Rego: “There is still far too little happening – and I don’t understand why. Successful projects in recent years have shown that people want to see queer stories. These stories naturally belong on German television because they reflect the reality of so many people. In Nevermind, my short film currently in the works with Zero Pilnik, we focus on an East German woman in her mid-40s. The film explores the challenges and joys that come with LGBTQI+ identity – in an authentic and empathetic way that is often missing in mainstream media. It is also important for us to reflect diversity behind the camera. By collaborating with filmmakers from migrant backgrounds, we bring different perspectives and experiences into the creative process. Because diversity not only makes stories better but also improves the way they are told.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: What challenges come with creating your own projects?

Cristina do Rego: “One of the biggest challenges is funding. We are not fully financed yet and, as is often the case, we fall through the bureaucratic cracks. Funding is being cut, and financial success is the main priority – which makes it especially difficult for a short film project with this theme. Still, we keep going because Nevermind is a story that needs to be told.

DISCOVER GERMANY: You travel a lot between Cologne and Berlin. What makes these two cities special for you?

Cristina do Rego: “I feel at home in both cities, although I must say that Cologne suits me better at the moment. The city is slower-paced than Berlin, and the people are more approachable. Especially in these difficult times, I, like most people, long for lightness. This is easier for me to find in Cologne.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: What else can people look forward to?

Cristina do Rego: “I’m really happy that I was able to let go of the idea that, as an actress, I can only work in this field. I want to direct, act, and write. Currently, I’m part of the writing team for Edins Neo Night, and I can feel different creative processes unfolding within me. I have so many ideas and am excited to bring them to life. There are also some exciting acting projects coming up that I’m really looking forward to.”

Want to watch Ghosts?

The six 25-minute episodes will be available in the ARD media library from 7 March. All episodes will be shown one after the other on ONE on 13 March from 8:15pm.