Interview With South African Actress Ydalie Turk For "Trifole" (2024)

Ydalie Turk is a South African, Lebanese actress and writer. She is known for The Grand Bolero (2021), Ma Lina (2022), and the upcoming feature Trifole (2024). She graduated from The New York Film Academy in 2018 with a BFA in drama and has since been working in both theatre and film. In 2022 she was named one of MovieMaker magazine's screenwriters to watch for The Grand Bolero (2021). In 2022 she co-founded Holding Thumbs Productions with her frequent collaborator Casey-Anne Diepeveen.

Can you speak about where you are from, your background and how you got into film? 

YDALIE: I am a South African actor and writer, and I’ve wanted to be involved in movies as far back as I can remember. I loved drama at school, then I studied acting and playwriting and this organically transitioned into a career in film.

How difficult is it to make an independent film in Italy? 

YDALIE: it’s difficult to make an independent film anywhere. You need to have a lot of drive and passion because it’s an uphill battle with a million rejections.

What have been the films and talents that have inspired you the most and perhaps influenced you the most?

YDALIE: I’m a very big fan of Paul Thomas Anderson. He just gets it right every time. He seems to possess the perfect blend of artistry and humanity - I would love to work with him.

You have worked on multiple projects to get where you are now. Do you have a favorite project you have worked on that you are most proud of?

YDALIE: I’m proud of all the projects I’ve worked on, but The Grand Bolero was a particular feat because we managed to do it during Covid (which seemed impossible) and it’s our first feature- so inevitably it holds a special place in my heart. That being said, playing Dalia in Trifole means the world to me.

Can you tell us about your most recent film "Trifole" and the inspiration that began the journey to make it?

YDALIE: Gabriele and I were very inspired and fascinated by truffle hunters and the landscapes they live in. Their connection to nature, their dedication and their passion had us enthralled.

Your film has been traveling to festivals around the world. What has that experience been like?

YDALIE: What’s been really special is seeing people’s reactions at the screenings and engaging with them afterwards. So often you make something, it goes into the world and that’s that. But with a festival, you’re experiencing your work resonate (and sometimes not resonate) and that is pretty profound. I also just love meeting filmmakers from around the world and having access to films I ordinarily wouldn’t get to see.

Do you have an anecdote, a funny or memorable event that happened while making the film that you would like to share?

YDALIE: We shot the auction scene at the real truffle fair, and people thought our giant truffle was real! They took photographs and we made the newspaper the next day, it was amazing!

What is one of the most valuable things you have learned on the journey of making this film?

YDALIE: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is to be bold! This was my first leading role, and I had to leave my insecurities at the door and just go for it. It was difficult but since Trifole, I feel far less burdened by the fear of going for something.

Why is it so important for filmmakers to attend Cannes, PSIFF, SBIFF and other worldwide film festivals? 

YDALIE: These festivals open doors to a community of filmmakers - and having a network of people with the same goal is important, it makes the ride less lonely.

What will you be working on next? 

YDALIE: I’m writing at the moment, another feature and also dipping my toes into TV land.

Interview by Vanessa McMahon