The Spanish actress tells EW about her “marvelous” journey working on the film.
ForEmilia Perezstar Karla Sofia Gascon, playing the titular role was something she knew she had to fight for.
So, she employs Rita once more to unite her with her family while also keeping her secret.
Karla Sofía Gascón in ‘Emilia Perez’.PAGE 114 - WHY NOT PRODUCTIONS - PATHÉ FILMS - FRANCE 2 CINÉMA
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Why did you insist on playing Emilia before and after her transition?
When you know what you want to do and that you might do it, fight for it.
That’s why for me [as a trans woman], I wanted to do both parts.
Zoe Saldaña (left) and Karla Sofía Gascón in ‘Emilia Pérez’.Courtesy of Netflix
Did playing both roles affect you in any way?
It’s a beautiful game to be able to enter something so deep and so well-constructed.
In the end, to have participated in such an important project has been a wonderful experience.
Karla Sofía Gascón (left) and Zoe Saldaña in ‘Emilia Pérez’.PAGE 114 - WHY NOT PRODUCTIONS - PATHÉ FILMS - FRANCE 2 CINÉMA
Courtesy of Netflix
How do you hope the Latino and Hispanic community receive the film and its themes?
I think a wonderful thing has happened outside of the performances.
Socially, a kind of pineapple has been created around the community and around my character.
I think, on many, many occasions, the Latino community feels ignored or relegated.
In the end, we Hispanics are such a big mountain of love and emotion.
Netflix has a huge worldwide audience.
Do you think the world is open and ready to discover Latin American and Hispanic cinema?
The first time I went to Mexico, I felt ignorant.
You go all over Latin America and discover that there is so much to discover.
What can I tell you about the Inca people?
We have a language, too.
We’re people who want to work and get ahead and enjoy life.
What did you learn from this film that you hope to take with you from now on?
Do you want to make films in the United States?
I want to work with people who offer me the most beautiful characters and I’ll go anywhere!
If the job is in Hollywood, I’ll go to Hollywood.
If it’s Taiwan, I’ll go to Taiwan!
Actors and actresses in the end, we are always starting.
It’s a very hard and very long road, but also very beautiful.
Emilia Perezis now streaming on Netflix.
