INTERVIEW – A few years ago, Fianso, the rapper, began his metamorphosis to become Sofiane Zermani, the actor. After a few supporting roles (The Savages, Before the flames go out, The Silver Venus…), he is at the top of the bill in Barbès, Little Algeria.
He is the hero of Hassan Guerrar’s vibrant and promising first film. In Barbès, Little Algeria, Sofiane Zermani plays Malek, who, during the health crisis, reconnects with his roots and reconciles with his past by discovering Barbès and his community.
Madame Figaro. – My state of mind at the moment?
Sofiane Zermani. – Conqueror. Cinema suits me better today to express myself as an artist. I loved doing it with music, but I associated rap with youthful energy. I never projected myself as an “old rapper.” Today, it is on a set that I flourish.
Why should we see Barbès, Little Algeria ?
For the energy, sincerity and perspective of Hassan Guerrar, a director who favors truth and the moment. Barbès is the main character of his film and he represents him as he knows and loves him, with non-professional actors, people from the neighborhood who give the story great authenticity.
My character?
Malek is halfway between Hassan and me. I recognize myself in what he has buried, in his modesty, in the drawers that he never opens. This shoot was an intense experience, which touched my privacy.
During filming, I was…
Observer and invested in perfecting my learning. I have feature film and series projects, I write, I develop, I co-produce, but I’m still groping.
Before, I associated rap with youthful energy
Sofiane Zermani
Talking about me on promotion, a chore?
No way. Doing this job means drawing the spotlight on yourself, asking people to pay to see us, to listen to us: it’s a narcissistic approach. I assume it.
Wooden tongue or too sharp?
Spontaneous. I’m not afraid of being ugly or saying stupid things in interviews. I don’t pretend to be perfect and this created an authentic bond of closeness with the audience, which I cherish.
Questions I prefer not to answer?
Those which concern my private life or subjects on which I consider not to be legitimate. Religious or political questions for example: I have an opinion, but if I had wanted to share it on TV sets, I would have become a man of faith or an MP.
This shoot was an intense experience, which touched my privacy
Sofiane Zermani
What do I think when I see my reflection in the mirror?
I aspire to be a better version of myself as I age, so I easily accommodate wrinkles and the marks of time.
Do I lie in interviews?
Not enough, according to my press officer! I am not always consensual. My songs have sometimes been criticized for this, but I don’t know how to do otherwise.
My sacred fire?
Transmission. We improve by learning from others, and from others. When we have received, we give back. This is a strong belief among suburbanites like me.
Doing this job is a narcissistic approach that I take on
Sofiane Zermani
Mes inspirations ?
Rebecca Zlotowski, a great friend, screenwriter and director with whom I had the chance to work for The Savages. I also admire Reda Kateb, who was of incomparable kindness on Enemy brothers, by David Oelhoffen, the first film I shot. And Melvil Poupaud, a man of rare intelligence and talent. And then, there are my soul mates: Lyna Khoudri and Dali Benssalah. With them, we don’t understand each other, we know each other.
The last time I was proud of myself?
I created a scholarship, a writing support prize in Béjaïa, my hometown in Algeria. I have a hard time being happy with myself, but when I see the pride in the eyes of my father, my children, my family, my friends… I tell myself that I must have done something right.
Barbès, Little Algeria, by Hassan Guerrar. Released October 16.
Tigers and hyenas, by Jérémie Guez, October 22 on Prime Video.