Young Italian-Greek actress Fotinì Peluso has recently embraced her heritage through the lead role in the anticipated television series “The Great Chimera.” This high-end production, adapted from one of Greece’s most significant novels of the 20th century, serves as an emotional bridge connecting Peluso with her roots.
Set in the 1930s, this six-part series is one of the standout offerings from Beta Film for the upcoming Mipcom market. Peluso stars as Marina, a beautiful Italian woman entangled in family drama who falls for a captivating Greek sea captain portrayed by Andreas Konstantinou (“Milky Way,” “Cloudy Sunday”). Seeking a fresh start, she abandons her past for the idyllic Greek island of Syros. However, her quest for happiness soon leads her into a complex relationship with her husband’s scholarly younger brother, played by Dimitris Kitsos (“The Beach”), drawing her deeper into a web of emotional turmoil akin to Greek tragedy.
Helmed by noted director Vardis Marinakis (“Silent Road,” “Zizotek”) and penned by Panagiotis Iosifelis (“The Beach”), “The Great Chimera” is produced by Beta Film in collaboration with Athens-based Foss Productions.
As the series gears up for its Mipcom premiere, Peluso shares her thoughts with Variety on how her role in “The Great Chimera” has allowed her to explore her Greek heritage and discuss the importance of the series’ portrayal of sexuality as an artistic element.
What attracted you to playing Marina? Had you previously read the book?
Being of Italian-Greek descent—with a Greek mother and Italian father—this story resonated deeply with me. “The Great Chimera” is a cornerstone of modern Greek literature. The character of Marina intrigued me; her struggle for freedom during the restrictive 1930s reflects issues that are painfully relevant today. Marina’s complexity, her imperfections, and her battles with societal constraints provided rich material for character exploration, echoing the ongoing struggles for women’s autonomy and freedom in our current society.
How significant was it for you, having grown up in Italy, to portray a lead role in a Greek classic?
I’ve previously worked on Greek-related projects, such as “Greek Salad,” although that was primarily a French production. This opportunity felt pivotal in my career—it allowed me to reconnect with my Greek heritage. Greece is not just an afterthought for me; it’s rooted in my childhood experiences. Collaborating with a Greek team brought a sense of belonging and artistic commonality that I had longed for. Despite the financial and structural differences, Greek cinema is vibrant with emerging talents, and I was eager to engage in this creative environment.
Marina embarks on a bold journey in the 1930s. What makes her story relevant today?
Marina is remarkable for her time yet relatable as an everyday woman. While her rebellious actions were rare in her era, today’s women are steadily pushing societal boundaries. However, the yearning for freedom and self-expression remains vital. Marina’s discovery and celebration of her sexuality—a theme shrouded in controversy even today—underscores the ongoing struggle many women face in reconciling their desires with societal expectations.
Discuss the role of sexuality in her story.
In contemporary society, a woman’s body is often still seen as provocative and out of the ordinary, which is disheartening. Marina’s exploration of her sexuality reveals not only personal truths but also universal fears that can be difficult to confront. The series portrays her character with authenticity and without glamorization, addressing the darker aspects of her psyche, and reminding us of the complexities inherent in our personalities.
Were the intimate scenes challenging to film, and did you work with an intimacy coordinator?
The evolution of this project—from a Greek public television endeavor to a more internationally scaled series—has been fascinating. It was essential for the portrayal of Marina’s sexuality to be genuine and unabashedly honest. We did have an intimacy coordinator on set, which proved invaluable. Although I initially thought I could navigate these scenes without one, I soon recognized the significance of their role in establishing boundaries that foster artistic freedom. The presence of a mediator allowed us to create a secure environment for emotional expression, particularly during intimate scenes, which are inherently complex and require a nuanced approach.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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