Chilean Star's English Dreams Lead to Awards Buzz

Mariana di Girólamo, a native Spanish speaker from Chile, has made a notable transition to English-language cinema with her role in Martin McDonagh's upcoming film, 'Wild Horse Nine.' The actress reported experiencing vivid dreams in English, a sign of her deep immersion in the role and preparation for the production, which is set on a remote Chilean island before the 1973 coup.

Di Girólamo's journey into acting was influenced by her creative family in Santiago, though she initially pursued midwifery. A pivotal theater course changed her trajectory, leading her to drama school and subsequent roles, including a breakout performance in Pablo Larraín's 'Ema.' This earlier film caught the attention of director Martin McDonagh, influencing his casting decisions for 'Wild Horse Nine.'

The film, featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents, highlights the Chilean landscape and political backdrop of the 1973 coup. Di Girólamo plays a student who interacts with Malkovich's character. She describes the experience of working with her co-stars, including Malkovich's deep knowledge of Chilean culture and the "beautiful and crazy" Parker Posey.

Having premiered at major festivals like Venice, Telluride, and Toronto, 'Wild Horse Nine' is being positioned as an awards season contender. Di Girólamo expressed surprise and gratitude for the opportunity to work with McDonagh, emphasizing her careful consideration of future projects amidst growing offers.