Bianca Delbravo, the revelation of Paradise is burning

Meet the young Swedish girl who plays, in this superb first feature film about a troubled childhood, a teenager who has to take care of her two little sisters after their mother leaves and her own passage into adulthood.

Paradise is burning marks your first appearance on the big screen. Had you long wanted to become an actress?

Bianca Delbravo : I think I've always had an artistic streak. Since I was little, I've been making music, writing, and taking acting classes. But without necessarily wanting to make a career out of it. For Paradise is Burning, I was spotted through a wild casting call that involved a long audition process. And making this film allowed me to open this new door that immediately grabbed me.

Tell us how we spotted you…

You could call it a double coincidence! Alexandre Öhrsrtrand, the co-writer of Paradise is burningspotted me on the street years ago… while I was having a really loud argument with someone on the phone. He came to me, explained that he had co-written a script and that my energy and what he had just seen in me could match that of the main character. He asked me for my phone number so he could call me back and let me know about the casting. Except he made a mistake writing it down and so he was never able to reach me! And then, a year and a half later, again completely by chance, while he was walking down the street with Mika Gustafson, to whom he had made hear my voice, Mika recognized me just by hearing me speak! So they came to see me and invited me to participate in the auditions. A process that lasted more than a year until this phone call from Mika who told me that if I wanted the part, it was mine.

What struck you when you first read the script, particularly its way of talking about childhood and adolescence?

His way of being both tender and hilarious. I fell in love with each of the characters. And what I find very strong is the way of really bringing this story of learning(s) to life from the point of view of the three children, little Steffi, Mira who has her first period and Laura that I play who is about to pass into adulthood. We believe in everything because there is no adult perspective that overlooks these situations.

PARADISE IS BURNING: A BEAUTIFUL FILM ABOUT A DAMAGED CHILDHOOD [CRITIQUE]

How did you become this Laura?

Following the initial advice that Mika and Alex gave me: it wasn't about playing a character but the different situations that she would have to encounter. And if I am a priori distant from Laura, I used what I myself experienced in certain situations that she encounters. Basically, our biggest difference was physical. She was more energetic, stronger than me. So I took boxing lessons with Alex to densify my body and live up to what emanates from her on screen. I suffered but it was worth it! (laughs)

Did Mika Gustafson ask you to watch any films to prepare for this role?

No, but she did bring together almost all of her actors for a workshop lasting more than four months where we all became familiar with different acting techniques. It was really thanks to this collective work that I gradually became Laura.

How would you describe it?

She has a lot of facets. I love her sense of humor despite everything she goes through for example. But what defines her mainly is probably her difficulty in trusting others because she has been betrayed so much, despite her young age. And to protect herself, Laura is someone who keeps her emotions inside, for fear of suffering again. She is also someone who has a sharp mind. Following her instincts can put her in complicated situations but also allows her to get out of them just as quickly.

What struck you most about Mika Gustafson?

Her ability to create a peaceful environment for each of us, within which I felt free to express my emotions without fear of being judged. I really experienced this shoot as if I were in a bubble with a confidence in her that she never betrayed

Did it make you want to continue?

I loved everything about this first experience but I think I need to digest everything that has happened since the release. The incredible feedback we've had from the press and the public, the awards I've been lucky enough to win. Obviously I want to continue but I don't want to rush things.

Paradise is burning. By Mika Gustafson. With Bianca Delbravo, Dilvin Asaad, Marta Oldenburg… Duration: 1h48. In theaters since August 28