The Italian actress sat down with PAGEONE Media correspondent Arne Gershwin Gogo on the sidelines of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival for an exclusive interview, speaking candidly about her journey, her fears, and the surreal experience of debuting at Cannes with Roma Elastica, a film already generating serious buzz on the Croisette.

A Dream Cast, A Dream Moment

Directed by Bertrand Mandicot, Roma Elastica plunges audiences into the chaotic and colorful world of 1980s cinema in Rome. The film boasts a sprawling ensemble that includes French screen legend Marion Cotillard and actress Noemi, among a mix of prominent Italian and French talent.

“It was like a shock at the beginning,” Scrinzi admitted. “I was a bit embarrassed as well. But I was really thrilled and it has been like a dream.”

For Scrinzi, the film marks a sharp departure from her previous work. In Vermilio, the quiet and stripped-down feature that earned her recognition at the Venice Film Festival, she played a role she described as close to her natural self. Roma Elastica demanded something entirely different.

“When I read the script, I was like, oh my God, what kind of role is this?” she recalled. “It’s surreal and oneric and bizarre. I had to prepare a lot. I had to prepare a real role for that.”

Mandicot’s Method: Freedom On Set

One of the most striking aspects of Scrinzi’s Cannes experience has been working under Mandicot’s unconventional directorial approach. Known for crafting films that feel like strange, beautiful dreams, the director reportedly gave his cast wide creative latitude on set.

“He gives you a lot of freedom with the role,” Scrinzi said. “He doesn’t give too many directions. You have your script and that’s it. On set, he gives you a lot of freedom to create, to move, to improvise also.”

Despite the initial unease that came with such an open approach, Scrinzi says she ultimately embraced it. “At the end, I absolutely loved it. He creates these crazy and oneric scripts and films, but he’s a very gentle and sweet person.”

Still Afraid, Still Going

Perhaps the most revealing moment in the conversation came when asked whether the milestone of arriving at Cannes had quieted her long-standing fear of failure. Scrinzi, who has spoken previously about keeping a “Plan B” as a safety net, was refreshingly honest.

“It’s still there,” she said. “I think it will always be there. We work in the movie industry, so things can change so fast. I’m always scared that in 10 years I won’t be an actress.”

It is a fear, she added, that paradoxically pushes her to give everything in every performance.

“I just give 100% because who knows how it will go.” she added.

What Comes Next

Having gone from Venice to Cannes in what feels like a blink, Scrinzi says she is deliberately seeking out variety in her next roles. After the heightened strangeness of Roma Elastica, she finds herself drawn back toward something grounded and dramatic, perhaps even historical, though never a repeat of what she has already done.

“I always want to do different roles,” she said. “I’m at the beginning, so I want to experiment more things.”

As for a possible visit to Asia, including a stop in the Philippines, Scrinzi was warm to the idea, though she admitted that her fear of flying remains a hurdle. “I would love to, of course,” she said with a laugh.