When you discover Mauritius for the first time, you feel a sense of wonder that you want to relieve over and over again…”
Charming, joyful, and radiant, actress Virginie Efira has made Heritage Le Telfair her home to celebrate the festive season in the heart of Bel Ombre, Mauritius. In the elegant atmosphere of our 5-star resort, the Franco-Belgian celebrity sat down for an exclusive interview. Virginie Efira shares her experiences with us and talks about her inspirations and aspirations throughout her rich career in the film industry.
This is not your first visit to Mauritius. So, what makes Mauritius so appealing to you and why would you choose it as your family holiday destination?
When you first discover Mauritius and feel that sense of wonder, you want to relive it over and over again. It’s a powerful feeling that you crave to experience repeatedly. For us, living in Paris, it’s a sensory journey: the fragrance that greets you upon arrival, the humidity, the colours, the kindness of the people, and the surrounding vegetation. As soon as we arrive, we are immersed in something very special.
It also recalls François Truffaut’s film “The Mississippi Siren,” starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Catherine Deneuve. There’s a tropical atmosphere with abundant vegetation, something I’m rediscovering here at Heritage Le Telfair—a kind of colonial style with this mix of wood that I truly appreciate.
On a more personal note, now that I have two children, having a baby care facility like the one offered by your resort is fantastic. What I find fascinating about this type of resort is that everyone lives their own adventure, and in the end, there’s something for everyone. At the same time, there’s this idea of coming together and being part of a collective while also enabling guests to have their own experiences.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year at Heritage Le Telfair provided you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of our resort. How did you experience these moments with us?
I knew that when I came here for Christmas and New Year, there would be a festive atmosphere, which is the same almost everywhere in the world. But I hadn’t really thought of it that way. It was a real surprise; I had no idea there were so many experiences to enjoy, including musical sets with local and international artists every evening during this festive season.
It’s nice not to expect something when you go somewhere and suddenly be amazed. The festive atmosphere was undeniably vibrant around the resort, especially with the discovery of the pan-Asian restaurant Gin’ja. It was also incredible to have this elevated view facing the sea with DJs on the decks. All of this, high above the water, gave me the feeling that they were towering over the ocean.
Are you, as an actress, still aligned with the same choices, messages, and objectives today as you were yesterday?
No, because as an actress, you depend on the projects offered to you. At the start of my career, I wasn’t offered the roles I desired, so I had to manage with what was available. I began in TV and went through the Conservatoire. Initially, I felt apprehensive, stuck, and faced my limits. However, thanks to hard work, getting older, and becoming less afraid of making mistakes or failing, everything gradually fell into place. I believe that you only have one life, and making a mistake is not a big deal.
In the beginning, I mainly starred in comedies and romantic comedies, which was enjoyable, even if, at times, I had the desire to explore other genres and broaden my horizons. That took some time. Today, I make my choices more freely because I have more options. Perhaps, that won’t be the case in three years’ time… We’ll see.
Cinema is an instrument to be experienced. I’ve seen films that introduced me to other cultures. I also choose films to convey something that reflects the complexity of the human being.
How do you balance your acting career with your family responsibilities, particularly with the arrival of your new baby?
Honestly, like everyone else, I believe every man and woman tries to find room for everything. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes not so much. I consider myself particularly lucky because I work in a field where it’s acceptable for my children to accompany me. Two years ago, I shot a film in Bretagne, and my daughter came with me. The same goes for a three-week shoot in Guadeloupe.
You must learn to let things go. Working with your children by your side means you don’t get locked into the perception that what you’re doing is supremely important. Adopting this mindset prevents the task from becoming overly precious.
Do you select your roles based on specific causes or to convey and support strong messages?
It’s when I read a script that I recognize whether the person has something to say about their own vision of the world. Cinema is about reaching out to others. When someone manages to write something that is personal and not purely commercial, you can feel it. And those who watch the film can also be touched and have a connection.
That’s what I’m looking for. It’s true that very often I’ve had roles as a mother trying to fight an injustice, but I could also put myself in the shoes of a more complete woman. What’s interesting is the ability to sculpt all the characteristics you have.
What is your definition of beauty, and do you believe there is a cliché of feminine beauty in the film industry?
It’s something that’s constantly evolving. There’s a real cliché on social networks, and you can see that young girls are following this trend. It’s an unrealistic world where filters create an appearance through the screen.
As far as cinema is concerned, it varies. There are aspects that I can appreciate. For example, Hollywood cinema made me dream and you can see how sophisticated the actresses are. In France, we’re not so much in a commercial system, so we tend to opt for films that are more liberal.
And for my part, I started to get interesting roles after the age of 40. Beauty is constantly being redefined. I’m going to say something that may seem cliché, but I believe that cinema is like life: it’s the way you’re looked at that creates beauty. Finally, we shouldn’t forget that personality and charisma are also aspects of beauty.
If you were to offer advice to young people, especially young women, starting out in the film industry today, what would it be?
You must try to get rid of other people’s expectations. That means being passionate, watching films without thinking about fame. Love is not found in the realm of celebrity. Discover meaning, find joy in things. You have to watch films and be interested in something other than yourself. Not being afraid to fail. Sometimes, what seems to be our weakness becomes our strength. You must accept yourself and try to make something of it.
What are your wishes for 2024, and what message do you have for the Mauritians who follow you?
My wish is for greater happiness. It’s a new year, and time is fleeting, so we must make the most of it.
And speaking about the future, can we expect to see you back at our resort very soon?
But that’s my dream…
Great news, it’s our dream too…
(Laughs) Ah, I’ll take out a membership, if you wish… to be here every New Year.
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