Interview: Armand Assante, a curious tribute to a great actor

You are a member of the BFF – Bled Film Festival honorary committee. Have you ever participated in the committee of a film festival? What excites you about film festivals?
Unnoticed, newly discovered. I was frankly honored to be invited to the Honorary Committee. By the way, years ago I chaired the jury of the international film festival Molodist in Kiev, Ukraine. As a member of the board, you unconsciously bear responsibility for many artists, creators in the film industry. I saw many unknown artists and talented people from different parts of the world. Most of them are completely overlooked, unnoticed. At a film festival, you have the privilege of getting to know films and people you will most likely never meet again. In fact, it is a privilege that inspires me.

BFF takes place in Bled, one of the most beautiful locations here and in the world. And your most beautiful corner on Earth?
I spent a fruitful time in my life in many parts of the world: in South Africa, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Australia, I sailed in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas, I was in Turkey, Sicily, Greece... Also Slovenia and the entire Adriatic Sea are one of my favorite and most beautiful destinations on Earth. I'm American in many ways, my ancestors are Italian... I always come from Italy in comparisons, and my family has given me a curious and inquisitive respect for all places and cultures.

"Any film festival that respects the perception that it leads an open mind to a better humanity is an effective festival as such."

You have already been to Slovenia, 12 years ago. What is your first association with Slovenia?
I remember an Olympic skier teaching me to ski. The people who brought me to Slovenia at that time were incredibly generous and loving, so I will always be grateful to my friend Vladimir Kraljević. During my visit to Slovenia at the time, I realized that the countryside outside of Ljubljana resembles that of New York.

How long will you stay here? Do you have any wishes, what else do you want to see in Slovenia?
If I get a chance to stay a day or two longer than the film festival lasts, I'll take it as a gift.

When you were growing up, music played an important role in your life, and for many years you were involved in music professionally. What does music mean to you at this stage of your life? Do you still have a handle on the instruments?
The film overshadowed my musical involvement and creation, for which I consider myself to be more talented. I am dedicated to finding a character or an idea that can make a movie. A good film is created by the desire to harmonize many forms. Once you experience this (un)creation, you cannot escape this desire, so you constantly seek it. But the music is perhaps more powerful than the film.

You have a rich, successful career. You have acted in two successful lemonades as well as in films and theater. What is closer to you, film or theater?
Before I made it in film, I acted in the American Theater for ten years. For every role I have brought to life on film, I owe it to my own process and learning through performing on stage.

Do you have a favorite film festival?
I don't have a favorite… any film festival that respects the perception that it leads an open mind to a better humanity is an effective festival as such.

Which of the young, up-and-coming directors caught your eye?
Christopher Nolan and Seth MacFarlane.

Best movie you've seen recently that you'd recommend?
If I look at new movies, I would highlight the movie I am Guilty. I still turn to the past, to old films, especially to neorealism in Italy. I am of the opinion that he left an indelible mark on today's films, which touch me the most.

Do you have any career regrets?
Yes. The fact that I was too often forced to make compromises... in order to survive.

The first international film festival Bled Film Festival (BFF) will take place from June 17 to 21 in Bled, www.bledff.com.