Gizem Emre: “I JUST LIKE TO PUSH MY LIMITS”

German actress Gizem Emre’s career took off when she played one of the main roles in the Fack Ju Göhte films. Since then, she has made a name for herself through a variety of different projects. We met up with Gizem to talk about her latest film, her love for Berlin and more.

DISCOVER GERMANY: You got into acting at quite a young age. How did that come about?

Gizem Emre: I knew very early on that I wanted to do something creative. For example, when I was still in elementary school, I attended a theatre class and did coaching. At the age of 16, I was signed up to my first acting agency and at the age of 17, I auditioned for Fack ju Göhte. That’s how everything took its course.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Has this always been your dream profession?

Gizem Emre: I was still relatively young and of course I had to try myself. But I realised very quickly that it felt good and right. That’s how it became my dream job, which I’m fortunate to be able to live out today.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Your parents are from Turkey and you grew up in Berlin. What does home mean to you?

Gizem Emre: My home is where I feel comfortable and where I can be the person I am. Berlin is and will always be my home.

DISCOVER GERMANY: What fascinates you about Berlin?

Gizem Emre: Berlin is incredibly diverse. There is something new to see and experience around every corner and in every district. Above all, I love the cultural diversity that Berlin has to offer. It’s a city full of history and I think you can feel that.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Do you have a favourite spot in Berlin?

Gizem Emre: There is nothing quite like nature in a noisy and colorful city. That’s why I really like being in Grunewald. It is especially beautiful in spring!

DISCOVER GERMANY: How did your role in Fack ju Göhte change your career?

Gizem Emre: Fack ju Göhte was my entry into the film world. Since then, I’ve been able to play many different roles and work with great, creative and talented people.

DISCOVER GERMANY: You have already worked in a number of productions. Which shoot do you remember particularly fondly and why?

Gizem Emre: There are many moments that I like to look back on. Above all, however, on filming that took place abroad, for example in Cape Town or Thailand.

DISCOVER GERMANY: You can currently be seen in the Netflix film Rumspringa. What makes this film so special? What do you love about this role?

Gizem Emre: I love the characters in Rumspringa! It’s an incredibly beautiful story about a young man who learns to make his own decisions and go his own way. My role, Ina, gets involved in a world that was previously foreign to her. She, too, continues to develop in the story, although she was convinced that she already knew and had seen everything. The interplay between the city girl and the seemingly naive Amish boy is exciting to watch.

DISCOVER GERMANY: You recently opened a café in Berlin. How did that come about?

Gizem Emre: It has always been a dream of mine to open a café. Building something and implementing and incorporating your own ideas, getting involved – I find that exciting. In addition, I am a big coffee lover and I like to share my enthusiasm for it with other people.

DISCOVER GERMANY: How do you combine acting with working in the cafe?

Gizem Emre: I’m primarily an actress and I spend most of my time on set. I have a great team in the café, without which it wouldn’t work. I don’t have to be there on fixed days. But when I’m not shooting, I always try to help out and be there.

DISCOVER GERMANY: What role would you most like to play one day?

Gizem Emre: I love playing non-cliche roles. Strong women’s roles that have depth and are perhaps not immediately tangible because they have so many facets and don’t fit into any category. I just like to push my limits and try new things – both physically and mentally.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Any other plans for 2022?

Gizem Emre: I can say so much that this year I have some very different and exciting films and series coming up in which I will show a completely different side of myself.