Israel Film Festival – Ali Saam Interviews Asi Levi

I am here with Asi Levi, the star of the film “Aviva My Love.”   She is a hardworking mother with a great deal of talent and passion for writing stories. Between her job and taking care of her family at home, she still finds time to write.

Ali – Hello, Asi. How are you?

Asi – Thank you. It is great to be here.

Ali – How do you think your audition for this part set you apart from others?

Asi- Basically, I don’t have a clue. Honestly, I know I did my best. Audition is a slick process. If you don’t get the part it does not mean you are not good. It means you were not suited for that part. I think it is important to be authentic, to be real and not to be excited too much.

Ali – How do you see the character you played, “Aviva,” and do you have anything in common with her?

Asi – We have a lot in common. Aviva is a very special character. We are similar in the fact that she is very committed to her family. As an actress I take the things that lead the character and I connect them into my personality and emotions.   You always find a connection.

Ali – How did you prepare for the part?

Asi – I learned how to cook, how to cut vegetables, and how to break eggs with one hand. Other than that, I tried to learn about Aviva and understand her.

Ali – How long have you been acting?

Asi – Since I finished the drama studio, the end of ’95.

Ali – Did you study drama in Israel?

Asi – Yes, 3 years in drama studio. I started in theatre and TV and then film.

Ali – Is this your first film screening outside of Israel?

Asi – No, my last film, “Avanim,” was a big success in Europe and I was nominated for best actress in the European Academy Awards.

Ali – What is the message Aviva has for the audience?

Asi – To follow your dreams and that you can always find a way to have your family and career. Basically there is a huge message particularly for women, and that is to always follow your dreams no matter what.

Ali – You are a known actress in Israel, and you still had to audition for this part?

Asi – Yes. And I am still auditioning. We call it TESTING when you are in a certain stage of the game. You don’t audition on your talent; you audition to the part.

Ali – How was it working with Shemi, the director?

Asi – Amazing. He is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He is very talented, but what is so special about Shemi is he is an enormously generous human being, and he loves actors. He adores actors.   They are very important to him. This is not the case with every director. He also writes brilliantly. It is amazing that a man wrote this script. I think he has a woman’s soul.

Ali – Asi, thank you for your time. I look forward to seeing the film, and I wish you luck.

Asi – Thank you.

Ali Saam