Photography: ALICE DAMIAN
An Exclusive Interview with the Film’s Actors: Heloïse Giraud, Anouchka Delon, Meital Peretz, and Bibi Manavi
In an unprecedented cinematic experiment, “Hi How Are You?” directed by Clemy Clarke emerges as the world’s first feature film shot in selfie mode on iPhone, challenging traditional filmmaking conventions. Just released this March on Amazon US, this boundary-breaking project casts a global lens, unfolding across eight different countries and cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Rio de Janeiro, as actors turn their front phone cameras on themselves and with a virtual crew. It creates an intimately raw narrative intertwined with imaginative sci-fi elements about love, loss, and an impending planetary crisis.
Héloïse Giraud: A Fusion of Depth and Humor
Heloïse shines as Lou, navigating the romantic complexities of her relationship with an Iranian musician lover in NYC amidst the impending threat of an asteroid collision. Their connection and quest for human redemption form a central narrative thread. Heloïse notes, “Lou is often confronted with doubt and melancholy, yet what I love most about her is her innocence and her joy of living despite everything.” Filming alone without a physical crew presented unique challenges, leading to an “intimate bubble” that deepened her emotional exploration. “Working one-on-one with Clemy [the director, Clemy Clarke] virtually, whom I had complete trust in, enabled me to go deeper,” she explains. “After the first few days of production, even though I could see my reflection on the iPhone’s selfie camera, I liberated myself from my image; I allowed myself to focus solely on the acting.”
Anouchka Delon: The Power of Authenticity
Anouchka brings vibrant energy to the character of Delphine, who is full of authenticity and lightness. She states, “Using innovative filming techniques allowed us to capture genuine moments in a very intimate way,” emphasizing the film’s distinctive approach to storytelling. Her motherhood journey highlights the film’s theme: embracing uncertainty. Anouchka appreciates Clarke’s collaborative spirit, saying, “Every project with Clemy feels like a breath of fresh air. Her openness to collaboration fuels a creative spirit that encourages exploration.” Anouchka reflects on the power of the video call scenes: “These moments are much more than just dialogue; they are emotional threads that pull the audience into the story.”
Meital Peretz: Navigating Vulnerability
As Meital takes on the role of “Yara,” a strong yet vulnerable woman, she reveals the depths of her character’s emotional journey. “Yara is fierce and determined but grapples with feelings of loss as her partner searches for truth,” Meital explains. This duality makes Yara’s portrayal all the more compelling, showcasing the strength it takes to embrace vulnerability. The process, Meital says, allows her to explore uncharted territories of her own emotions. “Finding Yara’s voice challenged me to confront my understanding of love and connection,” she reflects. Filming remotely posed unique challenges. “Initially, I felt skeptical, but the intimacy of directing via iPhone allowed for deep emotional work,” Meital reflects. She expresses excitement for the film’s final version, praising its poetic assembly and the incorporation of personal elements, including her own child’s voice. Her advice to new actors is to “embrace the moment and focus on listening rather than sticking to traditional acting norms.”
Bibi Manavi: The Essence of Connection
Bibi, who plays the role of Soraya in the film, reconnected with director Clemy Clarke post-COVID lockdowns during a walk along the Seine river in Paris. She found herself drawn to Clemy’s project exploring the intricate balance of personal and planetary connections. “Hi How Are You? is a story about imbalance,” Bibi explains. “Despite our technological ties, we find ourselves deeply disconnected.” The film serves as a poignant metaphor for existence’s fragility, urging audiences to reflect on their connections with themselves and others amid uncertain times. In the film, Bibi portrays Soraya, an Iranian artist in Paris, a character with striking parallels to her own life. “Filming in my studio felt intuitive,” she says. Among the film’s moments, Bibi highlights the scientist’s scenes [Doctor Volf], where his struggle to convey profound truths amid a disinterested world resonates with her. “His quiet intensity captures a universal frustration,” she remarks, emphasizing the film’s exploration of isolation and the inherent yearning for genuine connection. Looking ahead, Bibi hopes viewers critically examine their interactions. “We often mistake surface-level connections for true engagement,” she reflects.
More than just an experimental technique, Clarke’s selfie mode approach redefines how we view human connection in today’s digital world. Through a collage of self-filmed footage across continents, she crafts a startlingly relevant exploration of our modern dynamics. The selfie transcends its reputation as self-indulgent to become a powerful tool for raw emotional storytelling. Insights from Heloïse, Anouchka, Meital, and Bibi offer authenticity, urging viewers to journey alongside relatable characters. In a time when human connections are vital, the film promises a captivating cinematic experience that resonates long after viewing.
Watch “ Hi How Are You? ” on Amazon in the United States.
