Agatha Maskimova is a Parisian actress, who started as a model back in Russia and expanded her talent into the beautiful world of French cinematography. We met Agatha after her amazing appearance on the Red Carpet of the film “The world to come” to speak about the 77th Venice Film Festival.
- Agatha, you have a very interesting life, combining few professions and projects, you really fascinate us, so tell, please a few words about yourself for our readers.Hello everybody! My name is Agatha Maksimova, I’m a model and an actress from Paris. I was born in Russia but moved to Paris about 7 years ago. I’m a model since 15 years old, I’ve travelled all over the world as a model and worked for a lot of brands like Ralph Lauren, Christian Louboutin, Off-White, Lanvin Paris, L’Oreal etc. My acting career successfully started almost 2 years ago, I have played in 4 movies and I feel that this is just the beginning and there will be more to come. I share what is happening in my life on Instagram, where I don’t pretend to be perfect, I’m telling about good and difficult times so that I can help others to believe in themselves.
- Is it your first film festival that you attended as an actress?
No, I’ve already visited the Cannes Film Festival, San Sebastián International Film Festival and a few others. The Cannes Film Festival was my first one and therefore the most memorable. Of course, I was very stressful, because my career was just beginning, it was the first red carpet in my life. Each festival is special for me, they are all very different, but I get unreal pleasure visiting them. In the future, I would like to visit the festival in Marrakech, I haven’t managed to get there yet.
- Agatha, your red carpet outfit impressed the public, where did you get the inspiration?Each festival is a very important event for me. I work on the preparation together with my manager, stylist, and many sponsors, starting with clothing and jewellery brands and ending with hotels. We select outfits, make a schedule and enjoy what is happening. Jewellery and shoe brands change periodically but almost all of my evening and cocktail dresses are from Christophe Guillarmé. We meet, review dozens of options, and decide together which look is appropriate at each individual moment.
- What’s your impression of the Venice film festival this year, as it’s the first international physical event? After the cancellation of the Cannes film festival, I was very afraid that the Venice film festival would also be canceled, but even when I found out that the festival would take place, I was still hesitant to go. Finally I bought tickets 3 days before departure and I’m very happy that the festival finally took place. After months of quarantine, this is exactly what we need: the opportunity to return at least partially to our usual life.
- How do you find the movies of this season?
I love cinema so much. Absolutely all of it and in all its manifestations. I don’t even know under what circumstances I might not like the films of the festival. I was very happy to see the film of Andrei Konchalovsky because I really love Russian movies. My absolute favourites are Pieces of a Woman and Nowhere Special.
- From your point of view, would the cinematography change after 2020?
I think people will appreciate the opportunity to go to the cinema a little more. For many months, the cinemas were closed and it was a real challenge for me. We should really value and appreciate what we have. Also, as an actress, I really missed auditions and filming movies, so I think that regardless of the scope of our activity, whether it’s cinema or other direction, we should appreciate the opportunity to have it and to do what we love.
Interviewed by Olga Khlybova
Photographs by Olga Khlybova and Brice Annxionnaz