VALERY DANKO TALKS 97 MINUTES

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

In ‘97 minutes’ the clock is ticking as the fate of a hijacked passenger flight is in the hands of only one man, a premise that promises to grip hold of the audience's attention and sticks the landing. Why do you think people will love this?

I think the reminder about the fragility of life will create an emotional response. Because everything can end so abruptly we have to remember to do things we love.

One thing I like about the film is that it put the audience among the passengers of the plane. Rather than scenes explaining who everyone is, we all get to know who’s on the plane in real-time. It just becomes very immersive. What was that like for you?

It’s always immersive for an actor. Your mind, body and soul totally belongs to the atmosphere around you.

You initially were on set as a dialect coach and got your role in the film while you were on set?

Yes, I arrived as a dialect coach and then Pavan Grover, the film producer, asked me if I would like to get a role as well. Obviously I could not resist being part of it on screen.

For a long time you did not see yourself as an actress?

I think that in the past I always went for the “safe” option rather than the exciting one. I was scared to walk away from what was known and jump into the unknown. I came from the conservative post-Soviet background where the role of arts was diminished and unfortunately not taken with the respect it deserves. Why didn't I see it myself? I was simply scared. When you grow up in fears built up by generations of Soviet terror it limits your level of consciousness and infiltrates fears that are not yours. I didn’t want to let in anything that brought turbulence, and might have jeopardised illusioned stability. I think it slowly started to change when I moved to London and drastically after my divorce. Nothing was stable anymore for me and I embraced being like the wind. I was rediscovering myself again and dissolved the old self who tried to satisfy everyone except for me.

What do you think it is about you and acting that pulls you towards each other?

The law of attraction pulled me to acting. Once I fully embraced it, the doors started to open up. Acting allows me to live many lives that I would not have experienced otherwise. I am a storyteller first of all. I share stories through art, dancing, writing and acting. For the last five years I mostly go for what thrills me, even though it bears its challenges. The right path is not the easiest one.

Was acting your first creative outlet?

Painting and sculpture were my first creative outlets. I was painting before I could talk and I only started dancing professionally after I moved to London. I think a combination of journalism, telling stories on my tours and dancing laid the foundation for acting.

You do come from a family with a background in fashion. Were you ever close to follow on in their footsteps instead?

I think following your parents footsteps is the safest path one can choose. You have support of your family and are introduced to the industry at an early age. I have friends and acquaintances in different industries who continue their parents' business and they are content with it, it wouldn’t have fulfilled me though I want to follow the unknown. However I love clothes but not fast fashion. I prefer timeless fashion that unveils and highlights personality rather than following the mass. I love mystery in clothes so maybe in the future I would create my own brand. So far I have already created dramatic costumes for my burlesque performances.

I'm so glad you are where you are. What projects are you passionate for today?

Thank you! I am passionate about mysterious worlds. True stories. And powerful messages.