Dialogue with Helena Zengel: Discussion with Tom Hanks and Equine Island Residents
Title: Helena Zengel's Epic Journey: From Rebellious Wild Child to Rising Star
You've likely heard of Helena Zengel, the talented young actress who skyrocketed to fame with her wild performance in "System Crasher" at the tender age of nine. Since then, she's made a name for herself in Hollywood, starring alongside none other than Tom Hanks in the Western "News of the World" and now shining in the grand fantasy adventure "The Legend of Ochi" (currently gracing the big screens).
In this enchanting film, Helena portrays a fearless girl named Yuri, living on an isolated island in the Black Sea with her father, played by Willem Dafoe. The island is home to wild animals and the mysterious Ochis - enigmatic blue creatures that the locals fear and avoid. With her innate curiosity, Yuri befriends an alien Ochi baby by mimicking its strange musical language, sparking a thrilling adventure. When she decides to reunite the Ochi with its family, the islanders believe she's been kidnapped and embark on a frantic search.
Recently, we had a chat with Helena, who's now 16, about her life juggling Berlin and Hollywood, the charismatic Tom Hanks, and her Icelandic horse companions.
our website: Helena, four years have passed since filming "The Legend of Ochi." At the time, you were just thirteen. What stands out to you from that experience?
Helena Zengel: Yeah, that was ages ago! Initially, I wasn't sure how long it'd be before the movie hit theaters, but I did know I'd be much older by then (laughs). While filming in Romania, I rescued a stray dog I named Kiwi. She's been with me ever since, so I always have a piece of that adventure with me.
You play a character, Yuri, who challenges boundaries and her father's authority. What can you tell us about her?
Yuri bears a striking resemblance to Benni, the troubled girl I portrayed in "System Crasher." She's a young lady with a tormented past who rebels against the established system and her father's insistence on hunting Ochis. With her mistrustful nature and refusal to accept everything at face value, she might remind some of us. She's bold, venturing into the unknown despite the risks. She forms an unlikely friendship with an alien creature whose language she cannot understand. And courage, determination, and a touch of stubbornness are her defining traits—she stands up to her father and embarks on a perilous journey with the Ochi baby she finds. While I think Yuri is very different from me in some ways, there are aspects of her that resonate with me, particularly her bond with animals.
You scored the role without auditioning. Is that right?
That's true! In Hollywood, it's common for actors to bypass auditions, especially if they've worked extensively stateside. I had a video call with the director, Isaiah Saxon, where we went through some scenes, and it quickly became clear that we were match made in cinema heaven.
Working with a debut director like Isaiah can offer unique opportunities for collaboration. Do you agree?
Absolutely! When the helmsman is still learning the ropes, there's often more room for input from actors. I truly believe we both gained from our collaboration. We learned a lot from each other through our deep understanding and empathy for one another. It was an extraordinary journey to create a movie with such a vast ensemble, seasoned veterans, Ochis, and the massive film studio A24—a truly insane combination for a first-time director. Yet, thanks to our strong bond, we all managed to bring the vision to life in a compelling way.
Playing scenes with a lifeless puppet can be challenging. What was it like for you?
Fortunately, I worked with a real, living Ochi, sparing me the hassle of working with CGI. With the dedicated crew surrounding the Ochi—from the puppeteer to the sound man—it gave the impression that the creature was alive. So, interacting wasn't as daunting as one might expect.
The Ochi communicates through a melodic language that forms a musical duet with Yuri. How did you prepare for that?
Well, I hate to admit it, but the melodies weren't my creation (laughs). Figuring out what an Ochi sounds like and how to put its language together required significant consideration regarding Yuri's mouth movements and the accompanying sounds. The Ochis' language is rather poetic and spiritually profound.
During the filming of "The Shape of Water," you formed a lasting friendship with Tom Hanks. What was it like interacting with your “father” Willem Dafoe this time around?
Yes, I'm still very close friends with Tom and maintain contact with Willem Dafoe, as well as my co-stars Emily Watson and Finn Wolfhard. Building bonds on film sets is a common occurrence for me—especially since navigating our unpredictable industry is challenging. With so much change and uncertainty, forming deep connections is gratifying. Our bond with Willem is no exception.
You reside in Berlin, correct?
Yes, Berlin is my home base. Despite my constant travel, I will always have a connection to my roots.
Would you consider relocating to the U.S.?
I wouldn't dismiss the idea entirely. I do have German projects in the works, but I’ll always treasure Berlin as my home. However, having a residence in the U.S. or any other country is a possibility.
Your mother accompanies you to the film sets, yes?
Legally, I can travel alone once I reach 16, but sometimes she accompanies me, particularly during press tours or if she handles some of my management responsibilities. The timing and location determine whether she joins me.
It's common knowledge that you have a passion for horses, even owning some. Is this like a second career for you?
Indeed, it's a parallel industry for me. Riding and tending to my Icelandic horses provides a balance to all the glitz and excitement that Hollywood offers.
What's next on your professional horizon?
I can't reveal too much yet, but I can share that there are both international and German projects on the horizon. I've also started writing my very first screenplay! And of course, I can't wait for the release of "The Legend of Ochi" this summer. Last October, I filmed "Bloody Tennis" on Gran Canaria—a gripping horror sports movie set to be released this autumn.
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Helena Zengel: As for Yuri's connection to horses, she helps train her father's workhorses. Working with them was a refreshing change from riding my own Icelandic horses.
In your upcoming projects, have you delved into the world of movies-and-tv?
Besides screenwriting and acting, I've explored other avenues of entertainment. Last year, I voiced a character for an animated series titled "The Fancy Husky" on Netflix. I enjoy branching out and expanding my creative repertoire.
Has your viewing preference in the realm of movies and television changed since your adventure with "The Legend of Ochi"?
Indeed! I find myself more drawn to period dramas, fantasies, and action-adventure films. Perhaps it's because I've become more connected to those genres through my own experiences.
We're always curious to know about the behind-the-scenes tales from our favorite movies. Tell us about your most memorable moment from the filming of "The Legend of Ochi."
One unforgettable incident was when a bloodhound named Watson pursued me on set for a week because it believed I'd stolen its bone. Our mutual fear and confusion made for a hilarious thread throughout filming.
Your TV interview provided fascinating insights into your life. Have you thought about expanding your work into writing and directing, similar to other actors?
Absolutely! In fact, I've already started writing my first screenplay and am eager to explore directing. The creative process is an endless adventure, and I'm excited to further delve into it!
The island, where "The Legend of Ochi" was filmed, is rumored to have unique geological features, like a lowest-known seashore. In what way did the location influence your performance as Yuri?
The breathtaking natural beauty of the island made it an essential aspect of Yuri's character. Her connection to nature and desire to protect it were deeply intertwined with the island's inherent wildness.
Historically, wavelength measurements have captured the awe of the scientific community. Did understanding the concept of wavelength impact your portrayal of Yuri's communication with the alien Ochi?
Interestingly, Yuri interprets the Ochi's melodic language based on feeling, not scientific comprehension. Although I acknowledged the unknown aspects of their communication, I internalized it emotionally rather than intellectually.
