Gigi Dia is the incredibly talented French actress whose name resonates across the realms of acting, producing, and writing. Her illustrious portfolio boasts international campaigns like Haus Labs alongside Lady Gaga and the eagerly awaited Beauty Blender campaign for Sephora. Stepping onto the global stage, she also has a remarkable presence in films showcased at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Sundance. Venturing into new horizons, she has embraced new roles as a producer and writer, shining in her latest project, "Our Boat,” a mesmerizing short film where she also takes center stage, has charmed viewers and made its mark at the esteemed LA Shorts International Film Festival. Her ability to blend diverse cultures shines through her work, making her an inspiration for artists everywhere.

Your journey from modeling to acting is quite intriguing. Please share a pivotal moment that made you realize acting was your true passion?
It was in 2016 in Paris, when I met a director and his wife the casting director. They told me they were looking for an actress like me, but for me there was no such thing. I was like, what? Me, an actress? I always loved watching movies but I wasn’t seeing any actresses looking like me. Or, it was very rare. So, I said no, I probably thought it was a joke. But a few weeks later the director invited me on the set, I remember it was in the streets of Paris, with a view on the Eiffel Tower and that’s when I fell in love. It was so cool to see all those cameras, the crew, and these beautiful actresses. And there was even food. I was like that’s it, that’s what I want to do!

Throughout your journey, who has had the most profound impact on your career and artistic pursuits?
My family and friends have the most profound impact on my career and acting pursuits. Without their support I don’t think I could have made it.

"Our Boat" is a testament to your versatility, as you not only starred in it but also took on producing and writing roles. How did these additional responsibilities influence your perspective on storytelling?
I learned so much while working on my short film. I loved the process of pre-production and post-production. Which you’re not really part of when you’re an actress on a project. I want to keep producing because it’s so great because you see how many times you can rewrite a story. I also want to be a decision-maker on my projects.

Transitioning from acting to producing and writing is no small feat. Please share your process for taking on these multifaceted roles in "Our Boat?”
I started writing “Our Boat” in 2018 when I was working at a museum in Los Angeles, during my studies at UCLA. I was inspired by the art works there, especially the ones by Victor Hugo. They’re beautiful and you can tell there’s a story behind them.

Then in 2022 I was ready to produce it but I needed money to fund the film so I created a crowdfunding on kickstarted and I raised more than 30K! And we went into production summer 2022. It was just natural to me to produce and directed as well cause I knew the project by heart!

Among your diverse projects , is there one that stands out as the most challenging? Conversely, do you have a personal favorite that resonated the most with you?
The most challenging to me was “Our Boat” so far because I was wearing so many hats on that projects. It took me four years from the time that I started to write until the movie was completed. “Our Boat is my little baby. So, it’ll be a favorite until I make my next one.

"Our Boat" is creating a buzz after its premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Festival. Give us a glimpse into the story and your character's role.
“Our Boat” is a period mystery drama set in 1968 Southern California. It tells the story of Rose, a French model living in the United States with her photographer fiancé. French model Roseʼs life is forever changed by the disappearance of her fiancé John. On the search for her missing lover, each of his lifelong childhood friends quickly becomes a suspect. Amidst a maelstrom of misdirection and deception, we question ourselves and if Rose solves the mystery and is reunited with her lover.

What drew you to the script of "Our Boat" and inspired you to take on a role as both an actress and a writer for this project?
I'm a big fan of period films, but in these kind of productions, we quite often see the same type of characters, and people of color are placed in the roles of slaves, nurses, or prostitutes. Fueled with a hunger for change, I decided to write a historical movie through my own lens. The concept for me was to create ethnically diverse characters to portray a more accurate view of the world than films of that era. In “Our Boat,” there is a balanced number of male and female characters as well, something that I found crucial to incorporate.

What was it like to collaborate with the team of “Our Boat”, and how did your experience as a producer contribute to the overall creative process?
It was such a pleasure to work with a talented cast and crew. I’m lucky and grateful to have that opportunity for my first short film. I’d love to work with them again on a feature project. In “Our Boat,” I produced, wrote, directed, and acted in the film. I was also the casting director, costume designer and location manager. So, I had a lot of things to manage prior filming and being on set. I knew exactly what I wanted and my team brought so much more to my vision, and I think it’s the best thing to collaborate with a creative team. Even the technical team, because without them the movie would’ve not come to life.

“Our Boat” explores themes of resilience and self-discovery. How do these themes resonate with your personal experiences and beliefs?
“Our Boat” is also a symbolic expression of what it is like to be an immigrant in America. I set the story in 1968 because it was a year of transformation, full of massive change and upheaval, perfectly aligned with our mysterious narrative. In the film, I take inspiration from the Vogue UK magazine published in 1966. On the cover, the model has her hand covering her face it was meant to hide her face to the world because she’s Black. The supermodel on the cover is Donayle Luna, known as the first Black supermodel.

Your involvement with BAFTA's Newcomers program is impressive. How has this opportunity impacted on your career, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to break into the industry?
I’m so grateful to have my BAFTA family supporting me during my journey. They’re like mentors to me, and I’m meeting so many talented artist that I’m lucky to call friends as well. I also hired some of Bafta members on my short film. Whoever wants to break into the industry, please don’t give up, your time will come.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to break into the industry?
Whoever wants to break into the industry, please don’t give up, your time will come.

As your fans eagerly anticipate your next endeavors, can you provide any hints or insights into your upcoming projects?
I have a French feature film coming out at the end of the year and another for HAUS LABS by Lady Gaga in September.

You've achieved so much in your career. What goals or milestones do you have in mind for the next chapter of your journey?
I really want to get into TV. I’d love to play a lead role on a TV Show for MAX or Netflix.

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Afton Figueroa
Talent: Gigi Dia
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Kiyaa Bagla, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine