Also a model who spends her free time writing, English actress Lily Collins will head to Cannes this year for her film Okja, directed by Bong Joon-Ho and presented in the festival’s official selection. In the film, she plays a young activist who squares off against Tilda Swinton to stand up and fight for animal rights…

Tell us about yourself, where you come from…

I was born in England and moved to Los Angeles when I was 5. I very much consi- der both places as my home, but feel more European at heart.

This year you will star in the highly an- ticipated Okja – directed by Bong Joon- Ho and opposite Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Paul Dano – selected for the Cannes Film Festival… Is it the first time you will be going to Cannes? What does that represent for you?

It’s a huge moment for me I’ll never forget and an incredible honor to be included in a film like this with such a stunning cast and crew. I’m excited for people to see the film and for the conversations that it may spark.

Okja tells the story of a girl who tries everything to prevent a powerful mul- ti-national company from kidnapping her best friend – an animal. Tell us more about the role you interpret…

I play a character named Red who is part of the Animal Liberation Front. She and 4 other members try to stop the company from taking Okja and to stop what the company is doing to its pigs.

How was the filming? How did Bong Joon-Ho direct you and what were the challenges of this production?

Filming in South Korea was one of the most fascinating memorable experiences I’ve had. It was so foreign to me, having never traveled there. But the more time I spent immersed in our film’s world and exploring the city, the greater I began to understand it. Director Bong was such a great spirit to have on set every day.

His knowledge of the characters and the story was so incredibly helpful because he knew exactly where each of us was emo- tionally in every moment. He was so colla- borative with us when we added ideas of our own. There was a lot of CGI which was an interesting challenge but one we all quickly got used to, as well as large shots including hundreds of extras and stunt work. It was an incredibly fast-paced film and we had to make sure to keep up, which we did. I felt like I was living another life over there and it definitely came across in the film. How lucky that I am able to im- merse myself so deeply in another culture for my job.

This film is more relevant than ever when you think about the way compa- nies and industries have a negative im- pact on our planet. I feel like it could be considered as another wake-up call…

This film is definitely politically and envi- ronmentally provocative. But that can very often be necessary in order for positive change to happen. It was a very special ex- perience to play an animal liberation fighter and be part of such an important move- ment and message in the film.

Fashion is very related to cinema, what’s your relation to fashion…

Fashion has always been such a beauti- ful way for me to express myself. From a young age, I used it to tell stories and play. It’s a completely subjective art form and judgment really has no place in it. Fashion can be the ultimate experiment through which you discover yourself.

You were Barrie’s brand ambassador and have been photographed by Karl La- gerfeld… How was it to work with him?

Karl is an absolute genius. A true artist. He is a pleasure to collaborate with and so fascinating to watch. Sometimes he comes up with ideas in the moment out of some random inspiration and then he goes for it. His images always capture me in a new way and it’s an honor to be selected by him to represent anything he is part of and pas- sionate about.

In the opposite images we can see you wearing Chanel. What do you think about the brand and the image of femi- ninity it reflects?

I have admired Chanel as a brand since I was a little girl. Karl has made the brand his own, while always maintaining Coco’s clas- sic timeless essence but also continuing to make it fresh and young… My grandmother was a ballerina and used to always wear Chanel ballet flats, purses, and jewelry, so there is a strong family connection for me… Sophisticated chic and yet so fresh and ever-changing.

If you could give our readers some ad- vice and inspiration…

Never take being told no as “no, this isn’t for you.” Take it as “No, not right now.” So- metimes things just happen slower than we want them to, but it doesn’t mean they won’t end up working out… Everything hap- pens for a reason.