In the world of performance since the age of 15, Sónia has made a mark on television, as well as in cinema and theater. She published her book of poems, “Constelação,” in 2015. In 2024, we will be able to see her on Netflix in the series “Vikings: Valhalla,” and also making her debut behind the camera with “Prisma” (RTP). A versatile artist, Sónia Balacó does not like to be labeled.
She has been dedicated to acting since a very young age. How did this passion begin?
I have always had a very close relationship with the arts since childhood. I was interested in trying everything and created many drawings, texts, and performances for the family. However, it was only at the age of 12, after watching a children’s play on television, that I realized acting was a profession people my age could pursue. I insisted with my parents to let me join the local theater group. Then, at the age of 14, I applied for the Supermodel of the World, got signed, and started working as a model. Through that agency, a year later, I auditioned for what would become my first acting job, the series “Jornalistas,” fulfilling a great dream.
You have now ventured into directing. How was that transition, and what motivated you to explore this aspect of the entertainment world?
Directing was something I had dreamed of doing since early adulthood. I am passionate about cinema, and its proximity to poetry has always fascinated me. I even feel that cinema almost lends itself more to poetic events since, for me, a poem occurs before the words on the page; it’s my encounter with something invisible that is later translated into words. In cinema, the step of translation is unnecessary because its material is similar to the very substance of thought and can speak directly to it, without the blocks and detours that words imply. It’s raw poetry.
Additionally, as a relatively young art form, I also feel that everything is still to be invented in cinema, and I wanted to contribute to that conversation, to explore new paths in cinematic language. For all these reasons, I went to work several times — in projects where I participated as an actress — on days when I wasn’t shooting, to be on set learning, observing the director’s work. I studied a lot about the subject, and my idols have always been more directors than actors. None of this means that I don’t love being an actress! I love it, and I always will, but I also want to tell my own stories, in addition to collaborating as an actress, to bring the stories of other directors to life.
How was it to receive the invitation to be on the cover of F Luxury with a Chanel Beauty production?
It was a great surprise and a compliment, a sign that my work, even though it doesn’t fit into a box, is appreciated and valued in all its aspects. Working with Chanel means counting on quality, and the result can only be wonderful. I was also fortunate to have a great team, and we had a very enjoyable afternoon.
