YONV: “I WANTED TO TELL A STORY THAT NEEDED TO BE TOLD”

E. Speziale

Image courtesy of Danielle Venturelli

In the wake of the critically acclaimed Italian film C’è ancora domani, we sit down with the enigmatic rising star Yonv, whose performance has captivated audiences across Europe and beyond. From childhood dreams to on-set routines, Yonv opens up in this candid and intimate conversation.

Interviewer, E. Speziale: Yonv, tell us—why are you in Rome?

Yonv: Mainly to study music. My mother and I used to live in Orvieto, and she noticed that the songs I played sounded really good. So, she gave me a choice of where I wanted to study and perform. I chose the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, I studied composition and piano at the conservatory. I later began studying everything else, elsewhere

Image courtesy of House of Kipekee

I: So how did you become an actor?

Yonv:I met a woman at a bus stop. She said I looked and sounded like someone who could act. I was shocked! I thought, Really? That’s how you pick actors? Based on looks and voice? But that’s how it started. They asked me about my experience at my first job. I’d say that they encouraged me to continue more than being eager

I: When did you start filming?

Yonv: About five years ago—but that wasn’t part of my original plan. And no, I won’t tell you how old I am. That’s a secret!

I: Fair enough! So, how do you find life in Rome and the people here? Were they welcoming?

Yonv: I only have one Roman friend, now that I think about it. Most of my friends are either from southern or northern Italy—even my flatmates. But I’ve always been a solitary soul. I enjoy being on my own, so maybe that’s why I didn’t connect with more people.

I: Do you like being in Rome? Do you plan to stay?

Yonv: For now, yes. It allows me to do what I love. I don’t care much about where I am—as long as I can act, study, and play music the way I want to, I’m “happy.”

Image Courtesy of Jo Fenz

I: Have you written anything of your own?

Yonv: Actually, I have! I wrote seven projects during the COVID lockdown, though none have been published yet. Bronco is what I’ve been working on it is a screenplay  that I will pitch , like the horse breed. But I won’t spoil the plot! I also compose music, and I’m currently writing something for a ballet. I love it.

I: What did you want to be when you were a child?

Yonv: So many things—an astronaut, a superhero, even the guy who drives the garbage truck! But never an actor.

I: Has your daily routine changed since you started working on set?

Yonv: Definitely. For one, my diet. I avoid sugar and carbs. I eat vegetables, fish, and meat, and only drink water. I also do a lot of exercise—before going on set, I usually do 30 minutes of jump rope or play basketball, which I love. If I’m staying at a hotel, I always ask if there’s a court nearby.

I: Is there a type of character you haven’t played yet but would like to?

Yonv: I’d love to be in a fantasy film—I haven’t done one yet. Or maybe something more action-oriented. I’m often cast as the American soldier, which I enjoy, but I’d like to try something new.

Image Courtesy of Andrea Metafuni

I: Any upcoming projects?

Yonv: I had 2 auditions in Italy until now and plenty in the US, one of which I was being considered for.

I: C’è ancora domani has received a lot of praise. How does it feel to be part of a film that’s resonated with both Italian and international audiences?

Image courtesy of Claudio Iannone

Yonv: 

When you’re on set, you’re completely immersed in the moment—you don’t really think about how the audience will react. Every film sends a message. Whether that message is understood is another matter. But I loved this story. I read the whole script before filming, and it was a beautiful experience.

I: How did you get involved with C’è ancora domani?

Yonv: I actually auditioned without knowing much about the project—the script was very secretive. But even after reading just the first few pages, I knew it was something special. The director, Paola Cortellesi, had such a clear vision. The challenge was to express so much emotion with very little dialogue.

I: If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Yonv: To be more confident, to believe in yourself, and to be more open to challenges.

I: And if you were speaking to students?

Yonv: I’d tell them when you’re on a path towards something and it feels like you’re lost, you’ve hit a roadblock or you feel like you’ve gone far enough - take another a step because usually your goal is one step away. 

I: Is there a place in Europe you’ve visited and really liked?

Yonv: Not many, but I liked Paris. And Copenhagen in Denmark—that was beautiful.

I: Do people treat you differently now that you're an actor?

Yonv: Sometimes. There are moments where you feel like you’re on top of the world—and others where it’s the complete opposite. On set, they’ll move you around in a cart, and I’m like, I can walk, you know. Or someone holds an umbrella over you, and I think, Where’s yours? This is a job like any other—like being a teacher or a waiter—and all jobs deserve respect. And sometimes you feel like a “star” for five minutes, and then not even welcome—like at an afterparty I tried to go to once. They didn’t let me in. I had just won an award for best actor at the Pigneto film festival and me not being let in the after party because I had the award in hand was a sobering reality check

Interviewer: Finally, if you weren’t acting, what would you be doing?

Yonv: I’d do anything as long as it allowed the space to continue composing and performing music, so although I’d be pursuing music if it weren’t for acting.

Interviewer: Thank you, Yonv. We’re looking forward to seeing what you do next.