Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?
I discovered my love for books and movies very early in childhood. I still remember watching Steven Spielberg’s E.T. with my parents and friends—and just two years later, being captivated by Michael Ende’s The NeverEnding Story. Born in 1973 in Frankfurt, Germany, I was eleven years old at the time and already deeply moved by the magic of storytelling.
Years later, in 2019, my first book Ich glaub, ich krieg nen Vogel was published in Germany, followed three years later by Promigeflüster Mallorca. The success I had hoped for didn’t come. But in January of last year, after working as a background actor in Mallorca—including in the Paramount+ production Lioness alongside Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Zoe Saldaña, and Laysla De Oliveira—I decided to follow a bold idea: fly to Los Angeles and pursue the dream of conquering Hollywood. Since I’m not Robert De Niro, I thought my goal might be more achievable through a screenplay of my own.
There is always a “why” in life—the moment you choose a different path. In that process of reflection, I told myself: Improve what you can improve. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. And in fact, the results of my screenplay LAMBADA: The Dance of Fate on the international festival circuit have proven me right.
Everyone on this planet knows the song La Lambada—young and old alike. It’s as universal as pizza. Yet few know the real story: the song originated in Bolivia, written in 1981 by two brothers from the group Los Kjarkas. Years later, two French producers discovered the melody via a radio station in Porto Seguro, Brazil, and falsely registered it under another name in Paris—a clear act of copyright infringement. Still, by blending Brazilian rhythms with European flair, they achieved global success in 1989. Tragically, in 2017, the lead singer of Kaoma was found burned to death in her car.
In my screenplay, the story begins with that haunting image: flames rising from a car at dawn—a symbolic moment that sets the tone for a story where music, fate, and betrayal intertwine.
What are your goals as an artist?
In my life, I’ve had to reinvent myself time and again—and that’s what keeps creativity alive. The most beautiful moments come when your creativity is recognized by others, even those who don’t know you personally. I’ve just experienced that with my screenplay.
This journey has led me to receive the Film Emmy Awards 2025, the Independent Golden Globe, the Independent Oscar Awards, and the Cinematic Tony Awards of Broadway. In total, I’ve earned more than 70 awards and selections across 16 countries on five continents, including honors for Best Biographical Script and Best International Screenwriter.
As storytellers, we hold a rare gift—the ability to reach people across borders, languages, and beliefs. My goal is to leave a footprint on this planet, one that inspires others to walk with me for a time—and eventually, to forge new paths of their own.
What is your opinion on the cultural industry?
I see the cultural industry as something powerful and deeply inspiring. For me, it’s not just about entertainment—it’s about creating spaces where art, stories, and ideas connect people across cultures and experiences. I admire its potential to spark emotion, open minds, and foster positive change.
Yes, it can sometimes be caught between creativity and commercialism—but the real magic happens when authenticity shines through, when art speaks directly to the soul.
Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?
I believe independent artists today have more opportunities than ever before—even if the road remains challenging. What inspires me most is the rise of platforms that amplify voices outside the mainstream.
Wild Filmmaker is one of those pioneers—a beacon for artists who want to express their vision freely and connect with audiences that seek originality. Similarly, FilmFreeway, which connects creators with over 12,000 film festivals worldwide, continues to open new doors for global talent.
Yes, independent artists must still fight harder to be heard. But platforms like these are living proof that genuine creative freedom and deep human connection are not only possible—they’re thriving.
What new project are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m in Los Angeles, continuing my journey with LAMBADA: The Dance of Fate, presenting it at the heart of the Hollywood film industry. With more than 70 awards and selections across five continents, I feel it’s time to pause and express deep gratitude to Wild Filmmaker and FilmFreeway—platforms through which my work has gained recognition and found its audience.
I now sense that I’m entering the second phase of my creative odyssey—a journey that evolves with every step I take.
Along this path, The Hollywood Reporter listed my screenplay as Best International Biographical Script at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. At the same time, Bold Journey named me one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems. These aren’t just accolades—they are signs. Signs that a new chapter is beginning—one that rises from everything that came before, and leads toward unseen horizons, where fate and creation may once again meet.
