In this interview with Emilio Sakraya, you will learn more about this promising young actor and how he prepared for his latest action blockbuster, “60 Minutes”. German GQ journalist Anna Rinderspacher interviewed this rising star in-depth, so let’s learn more.
Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Reiner Bajo/Netflix
Introduction to Interview with Emilio Sakraya
Emilio Sakraya is a young actor who has already impressed audiences in various films like “Rheingold,” “Lieber Kurt,” and “Bibi und Tina.” However, now you can see him in the Netflix film “60 Minutes,” released on January 19th. In a recent interview with GQ, Emilio Sakraya shared his experience working in the movie.
Emilio Sakraya has played diverse roles in his career so far. He has worked in children’s movies like “Bibi and Tina,” where he played the teenage witch Bibi Blocksberg’s love interest. He has also appeared in the RTL film “Winnetou” as the right-hand man of the legendary Karl May hero. In the gangster drama “Rheingold,” he played the role of Giwar Hajabi, a rapper and music producer.
Before pursuing acting and music, Emilio Sakraya was a martial artist. He even became the German champion in karate in 2010. Now, with the release of the action drama “60 Minutes,” he has achieved a cherished childhood dream.
A multifaceted talent
The artist Emilio Sakraya, born in Berlin in 1996, has steadily worked towards success. Son of a Serb father and a Moroccan mother, he started in front of the camera at nine. He debuted his feature film debut in 2010 in Bernd Eichinger’s Bushido biopic “Times Change You.” He has since appeared in several notable productions, including “Tatort,” a TV miniseries about the NSU murders, and the award-winning milieu drama series “4 Blocks”. In 2022, Emilio Sakraya was named a European Shooting Star by European Film Promotion. This pan-European network promotes European films and talents.
Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Reiner Bajo/Netflix
“60 Minutes” on Netflix: All good things come in threes
The Netflix film “60 Minutes” is already his third project for the streaming giant and his second collaboration with filmmaker Philip Koch, who directed Sakraya in the Netflix series “Tribes of Europa.” With Tolga Degirmen and Thomas Hacikoglu, the Berlin native also had two experienced Netflix stars at his side: The stunt choreographers are responsible for the breathtaking action scenes in “The Witcher.”
What Is The Netflix Original “60 Minutes” About?
Action is also significant in “60 Minutes”: Sakraya slips into the role of a mixed martial arts fighter named Octavio Bergmann in Netflix’s German in-house production, who only has 60 minutes to get to his daughter’s birthday. Otherwise, he risks losing custody forever. When he misses a vital fight to do so, the Berlin betting mafia takes up the pursuit, and a race against time begins across the city.
An Interview with Emilio Sakraya “60 Minutes”
Please clarify what it was about Octavio Bergmann that caught your interest.
Emilio Sakraya: I had a lot of conversations with director Oliver Kienle about who Octavio is and where he comes from, and we dug deep into his past to portray the role as authentically as possible, even if you don’t see it all in the film. There are many parallels between Octavio and me, making it easier to embody this character as best I could. Among other things, I found his inner conflict exciting. He wanted to be a good father but was getting so lost in martial arts again and again that he missed essential appointments. We all know the feeling of wanting to take more time for something but somehow being unable to do it.
Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Reiner Bajo/Netflix
On his rigorous training for the film
Your physical form in this film is impressive. How much work and training is behind it?
Thank you very much; I have been preparing for this role for 24 years because it was my childhood dream to make a martial arts film. I’m a big fan of Jackie Chan and started doing martial arts at a young age. So I was ready, but the script still had to be written. When the script came out, it was all about the finishing touches.
And what did it look like?
During three months, I underwent an extremely intense training regimen. From morning to night, I began with martial arts training, specifically BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), with Jan Knütter, a highly skilled fighter based in Munich. Alongside this, I also had my regular gym sessions. I focused on reducing my carbohydrate intake and increasing my intake of vegetables and proteins. About four weeks before filming began, I underwent extensive stunt training with Tolga Degirmen and Thomas Hacikoglu, well-known for their work on popular shows like “The Witcher” on Netflix.
“Are you enjoying the intense preparation, or does it sometimes feel overwhelming?
“It gives me a lot to sculpt a character physically – no matter if you have to gain or lose weight for the role – because you see progress very quickly and can find your way into the role more and more. It’s a lot of fun for me, even if it takes a lot of discipline, and of course, you also need an understanding environment, like good friends, who might also give up a pizza for my sake so that I don’t fall into temptation.
About the benefits of abstaining from alcohol
Do you have a favorite drink recommendation for our readers regarding nutrition?
Water is undoubtedly my favorite beverage, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Additionally, I enjoy drinking tea and am a big fan of coffee. Although I limit my intake of coffee, it’s only sometimes feasible. On the other hand, I have abstained from alcohol for approximately a year and a half.
“Can you tell me about the major advantages you have gained from it?”
Where do I start? I sleep better, I’m fit the following day, I always know what I’m saying, and I’m always in control.
On his role model function and responsibility
You have half a million followers on Instagram, some of whom are also very interested in your personal life. How do you deal with this?
Yes, that’s a balancing act, of course. You have one foot in the public eye and the other in your private world, trying to keep these two worlds apart as much as possible. I’m doing well because I’ve moved and distanced myself a little more from the film industry in my private life. And as a musician, I can decide what I want to say in my songs and what I don’t.
What are you incredibly proud of?
My whole professional career is solid. It’s nice to communicate this and encourage other people with a migration background and thus be able to be a role model.
Are there any sports in which you are terrible?
So, I have to admit, football is not my world. I’m not the best darts player, but I like doing it, especially in the office.
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Feature photo: Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Reiner Bajo/Netflix