Fiona Valinski: Beginnings, Ambitions, and the Road Ahead
Stepping onto a film set for the very first time can feel like crossing an invisible threshold, where imagination becomes reality and dreams take shape under the direction of those who once inspired them from afar. For this rising actress, that moment came on the set of The Last Duel, a defining experience that not only introduced her to the world of cinema, but also revealed the depth of storytelling, connection, and transformation that would shape her path forward.
Your first role in a movie was as a courtesan in The Last Duel by Ridley Scott. What was your favorite moment during the shoot?
Meeting Ridley Scott will always remain one of the most defining moments of my life. I had admired his work since I was a teenager, and suddenly being on one of his sets felt almost unreal, like stepping into a world I had only imagined before. What struck me the most was his precision and his calm authority. He has this ability to create something monumental while still paying attention to the smallest details.
I remember observing him between takes, the way he would adjust a gesture, a look, a movement. Being able to listen to his directions and to exist, even briefly, within his creative universe was more than I had ever hoped for at that stage of my career.
But beyond the artistic experience, what made this project truly unforgettable was the human connection I built there. I met one of my closest friends on set, Camille Mutin, who was also playing a courtesan. There is something very unique about sharing a first experience like that with someone, the excitement, the uncertainty, the discovery. It created a bond that goes far beyond the film itself. In a way, that set gave me both a beginning in cinema and a meaningful friendship, which makes it even more special to me.
What is your dream role?
As someone deeply drawn to the fantasy genre, I have always dreamed of playing a strong, complex female warrior, a character who is both physically powerful and emotionally layered. I’m fascinated by stories that take place in imagined worlds, because they often reveal very real human truths. There is something incredibly inspiring about embodying a character who evolves through adversity, who fights not only external battles but also inner ones.
That being said, my definition of a dream role has evolved over time. Today, it’s less about a specific character and more about what the role allows me to explore and learn. I’m always looking for projects that challenge me, whether it’s learning a new skill, speaking another language, or immersing myself in a different culture or historical period.
For me, acting is a constant process of transformation. Each role is an opportunity to step outside of myself and to grow, both as an artist and as a person. My dream role is ultimately one that pushes me beyond my limits and leaves a lasting impact on how I see the world.
If you hadn’t chosen to become an actress, what path do you think you would have followed?
I think I would have naturally stayed connected to storytelling in some way. Directing or producing feels like a very organic extension of acting, because it allows you to shape a project from a different perspective. I’m very interested in the creative process as a whole, not just being in front of the camera, but understanding how a story is built, structured, and brought to life.
However, if I imagine a life completely outside of cinema, I’m drawn to fields that explore the unknown. I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology and astrophysics. Both disciplines, in very different ways, are about discovering hidden worlds, whether they belong to the past or to the universe.
In a way, it’s not so far from acting. As an actress, I also explore lives, emotions, and stories that are not my own. Even in a completely different career, I think I would still be searching for meaning, for understanding, and for a form of discovery.
What kind of stories are you most drawn to as an actress?
I’m particularly drawn to stories that have a strong emotional core, especially those centered around transformation. I love characters who are not fixed, who evolve throughout the narrative, sometimes in unexpected ways. I’m also very sensitive to the visual and atmospheric dimension of a project, the way a film creates a world, a mood, a feeling that stays with the audience.
I’m interested in projects that take risks, that are not afraid of silence, of ambiguity, or of intensity. Cinema, for me, is not only about telling a story, but about creating an experience. I want to be part of films that resonate on a deeper level, that leave something behind after the screen goes dark.
What are your next projects?
My next step is to move to Los Angeles and fully immerse myself in the international film industry. It’s both an exciting and challenging transition, but I see it as a necessary step to grow as an artist and to open myself to new opportunities.
At the same time, I’m also working on developing my own film. Creating my own project feels like a natural evolution, a way to express my voice more personally and to tell stories that are deeply meaningful to me. It’s still in development, but it represents an important milestone in my journey.
For me, this new chapter is about taking initiative, embracing uncertainty, and continuing to build a path that is both ambitious and authentic.