JEDDAH: Hollywood star Olivia Wilde took center stage during an In Conversation segment on Sunday at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah’s Al-Balad.
Known as an actor, director, and producer, Wilde’s career includes acclaimed roles in film and television, including “House” and “Tron: Legacy.” Her directorial debut in 2019’s “Booksmart” made waves before she followed it up with the 2022 Venice Film Festival title “Don’t Worry Darling.”
Wilde delved into creativity, perseverance, and the collaborative spirit that fuels the film industry.
Reflecting on the challenges of modern filmmaking, she said: “Out of boredom comes great ideas sometimes, but now no one’s ever bored. Kids are much more interesting and imaginative than adults because they haven’t been indoctrinated by cliches. As filmmakers, it’s so important to challenge ourselves and not force our stories to be something familiar.”
She also pointed out that narratives from diverse cultures can offer refreshing perspectives.
She said: “When you get out of what I consider to be the central hub of entertainment in the Western world, you find a lot more interesting stories because people aren’t raised with the same materials and cycles.
“Films coming from societies that haven’t been indoctrinated with the same cliches have a singularity that is incredibly refreshing.”
Wilde likened the filmmaking process to solving a puzzle, highlighting the integral role of casting, and added: “Casting is the most important part of the process because putting together a film is like solving a puzzle.
“If you aren’t chosen, it’s not because you’re a failure — it’s about whether you fit into the bigger picture of that specific project.”
Olivia Wilde poses in the portrait studio during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 on Dec. 8, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Getty Images)
She also discussed the challenge of making films, describing the completion of any project as a “miracle.” She said: “When you actually get a movie made, no matter how big it is, it feels so satisfying because you did it, you got it made. Anyone who’s made something knows that feeling.”
Taking risks is a factor, and she added: “I naturally gravitate toward roles that have a little bit of risk involved. Part of it is being willing to not be accepted, to not be celebrated by everyone.”
Wilde most recently starred in and directed “Don’t Worry Darling,” which debuted at the 2022 Venice Film Festival and grossed nearly $100 million worldwide.
She said: “A director should be so prepared that they can answer any question.
“Actors enjoy taking risks and being vulnerable when there’s a director who feels like they have their backs.”
Reflecting on her dual experience as an actor and director, she added: “My experience acting made me a better producer and director because I understood the extreme vulnerability actors experience every day on set.”
The multi-hyphenate is set to star in Sarah Adina Smith’s upcoming psychological thriller “Monkey Hill” and she is also set to direct “Avengelyne,” a film adaptation about the ’90s comic book character.
Wilde encouraged aspiring filmmakers hoping to follow in her footsteps to embrace non-traditional paths, highlighting that passion for storytelling transcends formal education in the field.
She said: “I think having done another career entirely is very beneficial to filmmaking or acting. You could have gone to school for economics, but love movies and become an incredible director.”
The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival features a stellar lineup of speakers, including Academy Award-winning actor Brendan Fraser; director Michael Mann; Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner; celebrated director Spike Lee; and Academy Award-nominated Benedict Cumberbatch.
