Ladina von Frisching – “For me, acting is the art form of life”

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTO: LINDA ROSA SAAL

Step into the vibrant world of Ladina von Frisching, the Swiss actress embracing Berlin’s creative chaos. In this interview, she shares her passion for acting, thoughts on identity and freedom, and the adventures behind her latest film role. Discover what drives her, why she loves life on and off the stage, and much more.

DISCOVER GERMANY: How did you get into acting? What do you love about this profession?

Ladina von Frisching: “I never really knew what I wanted to do before. I was interested in everything, but not completely in one specific thing. What I could never imagine, though, was doing the same job every single day – ideally, I would have liked a different one every day. Then, by coincidence, I ran into an acquaintance at a bus stop. She told me about an acting school in Zurich. I was very curious, so I went there – and when they explained to me what acting actually is, I knew instantly that this was exactly what I had been looking for all. A blessing! Luckily, I passed the audition. What I love most about this profession is the variety, the adventure, and the freedom to explore my curiosity. For me, acting is the art form of life. And I love life.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: You‘re from Switzerland and are planning to move to Berlin in the near feature. What does home mean to you, and what do you love most about the German capital?

Ladina von Frisching: “What excites me especially here is, again, the variety. I love the combination of the beautiful yet slightly old-fashioned Switzerland, and the freedom and acceptance I find in Berlin. Here, I can be who I truly am, and that makes me very happy. It’s wild and colourful, and a little bit crazy – and simply different. I love discovering two different people within myself. In my heart, I will always be Swiss, because this is where I feel safe and nostalgic. I also enjoy the luxury, if I’m honest (laughs).”

DISCOVER GERMANY: Do you have one favourite place in Berlin that you love to visit?

Ladina von Frisching: “I don’t have one specific favourite place. I prefer being able to decide depending on my mood which district attracts me the most that day. Berlin offers everything.“

DISCOVER GERMANY: UNGEDULD DES HERZENS (Beware of Pity) is coming to theatres in February. What personally attracted you to the role of Eddie?

Ladina von Frisching: “Her determination and her quick wit. At the same time, she’s very fragile, and at her core also very loving.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: Can you run us through how you prepared for this role?

Ladina von Frisching: “I was in close and constant exchange with the director, Lauro Cress, and the other cast members. We talked a lot, rehearsed together, and I truly lived Eddie. Being involved from the very beginning of the casting process made many things easier, and of course I worked very closely with my wheelchair trainer and my energy coach.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: To what extent does the character Eddie reflect your own longing?

Ladina von Frisching: “She wants to be free but given her circumstances she feels trapped. That strongly reflects my own wish for freedom, but framed within today’s society, norms and structures. It often makes me sad and thoughtful.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: Were there any moments during filming that were particularly emotionally moving for you? Is there a scene in the film that you found especially challenging?

Ladina von Frisching: “The love scene with Isac was challenging for me. It was the first time I approached something like that properly, and I didn’t feel completely confident yet. Emotionally, I still remember some intense scenes, but you have to see for yourself. And of course, the cold water in autumn really stayed with me, especially as someone who’s always a bit of a Gfröhli, which is what we call people who get cold easily in Switzerland (laughs).”

DISCOVER GERMANY: What does creative freedom mean to you today, as an adult woman?

Ladina von Frisching: “A lot! Really a lot. I think that’s subconsciously part of why I love my profession. I love being wild, playful, and like a child. I often long for the pure playfulness, joy, and carefree spirit I had as a little child – and through acting, I get to experience so much of that again.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: How do you personally deal with the theme of identity loss, which the film addresses?

Ladina von Frisching: “I believe that deep down, if we just listen, we know exactly who we are. Over the years, with everything that happens and the pressure from society, we sometimes just forget. To my great luck and strength, I mostly manage to live as my true self and that’s exactly what I want to share with others: that we can live in a world full of unique characters, because I believe that’s where the greatest joy lies.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: What motivates you to constantly take on new roles and challenges?

Ladina von Frisching: “As I’ve already mentioned, I love life and want to experience it fully. That’s why I love stepping into new characters, exploring them, and seeing life through their eyes. It gives me an understanding for other people and a perspective I wouldn’t have otherwise. Learning new things only enhances this. I’m very thankful for this profession.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: How have your artistic goals changed over the course of your career?

Ladina von Frisching: “I’ve tried many things, and over time I just realised that in front of the camera and on the screen, I truly feel at home. Nothing else fulfils me like this, and that’s why I really hope I still have an exciting, wonderful, and inspiring journey ahead of me as an actress.”

DISCOVER GERMANY: What projects or wishes do you have for the future?

Ladina von Frisching: “I definitely see myself in feature films, but I’d also love to be part of a series at some point. And since I’m a bit of a drama queen, that’s probably where I feel most at home. That said, I’m very open and always excited about new and interesting projects. As a child, I always dreamed of going to Hollywood. For now, though, my focus is on the German market. And who knows where the path might lead? I’m curious and optimistic.”

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