Today we’d like to introduce you to Malin Barr.
Hi Malin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself?
I’m an actor, writer and filmmaker currently based in Los Angeles.
I grew up outside of Stockholm, Sweden and was introduced to the arts early on in life through singing, dancing and theatre. Already at that point somewhat of an overachiever, ( haha! ) I did ballet at five years old, competitive gymnastics at nine years old, started singing school at 10 years old and tried more or less every single sport from horse-riding, athletics, ice-skating etc.
The physical movement and expression through body was and is still incredibly important to me.
My creativity has expanded through the years and since then shifted from dancing and singing more towards acting, writing and filmmaking, though dance is still a very big part of my life. I’ve lived all over the world: Stockholm, London, NYC and LA. What at first glance could have seemed like wasted years of transitions between different careers and countries, is today one of my greatest assets and has shaped me into the creative being I am. I think staying open and curious is important as a creative and I’m sure I’ll keep finding new outlets for my art and adding them to my toolbox. Maybe poetry is next or editing? I feel grateful for my “younger self” who bravely took risks and explored different places and went in whole-heartedly. If nothing else, I’ve collected an incredible amount of memories, meaningful meetings, learnings, experiences and skills to pull from and share through my own creativity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hm, Is the road ever smooth? I believe bumps in the road are unavoidable and also hidden little gems. They make us grow and develop as people. Bumpy roads test us and challenge us and force us to be truthful and keep a clear goal in our hearts and minds.
Like I mentioned above, my road has taken many turns and I’ve been all over the world so yes, I had many moments where I questioned how it all was going to work out in the end. I had a serious injury as a dancer which was incredibly challenging and heartbreaking but it also pushed me towards exploring acting more deeply. A lack of work during the pandemic allowed me the time I had longed for to really pursue writing.
I’ve also been pretty broke a few times, which I’m sure other artists can relate to which has forced me to take all sorts of side jobs. I’ve been a teacher, server, caterer, personal trainer, and MC background dancer at bar mitzvahs… this list could go on and get very strange and it’s not all great stuff BUT It has made me so humble and all the good, bad, challenging, crazy experiences has made me who I am today.
Most importantly, during all the difficult moments, there was never a single time I questioned WHAT I was doing or if it was right or wrong. I’m an artist and I love it but even so I need to constantly remind myself to listen to my heart, be truthful of what I want and need as well as practice self-love. Learn to accept the things that I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart is what sets everyone apart from each other. We’re unique. l bring myself, my heart and my life experiences to what I do. My toolbox. Which is going to be entirely different than anyone else’s. That’s why there’s room for everyone’s art and no need to compare.
Some of my recent experiences as an actor include “Honeydew” by director Devereux Milburn, a horror feature where I star opposite Sawyer Spielberg. The project was one of my favorite experiences on an indie film set ever. Devereux, the cast and crew were all brilliant & the role of “Riley” allowed me to explore both a driving and quirky female character, which unfortunately is something that’s more less than often presented to me as a woman in film/TV. The film premiered at Tribeca 2021 and can be seen on Apple TV, Amazon, Shudder and more.
I also had a great time playing the Swedish character Annie in the witty, sharp director Jim Cummings last feature, “The Beta Test” that premiered at Tribeca 2021, followed by Berninale Deauville, etc. and distributed by IFC.
I’ve had some of my most valuable and fun experiences on indie film sets, as the crew and cast are often more personally invested and are putting their blood, sweat and tears into the making of the project. I believe the strong collaborative quality always creates a greater film.
In Europe, I just worked on a Netflix series about the founders of Spotify which comes out next year. I find the driven, young entrepreneurs behind various startups intriguing and I think it’ll be an entertaining, interesting series to watch.
A project I’m very proud of and also thankful for is my first film “Hedda Needs Help”, a short comedy of errors about Hedda, an overachieving poet, uncomfortable in her role as a woman who takes on a job as a dogsitter hoping to climb the ladder. The film won prizes at multiple international festivals and got distributed by Shorts TV. It’s not perfect but it still is so fun I think and it got me out of my bubble and into writing!
I also have a short experimental drama about immigration called “Evergreen” in post-production and I’m currently developing multiple projects, both privately, collaboratively and at the screenwriting program I’m attending.
One of the films in development follows a young dancer. “A 18 year old who moves to the UK for a prestigious dance college and undertakes a mentally and physically challenging journey to become the best dancer”. I’m also working on ” A historical drama series set in the 1600 in Sweden told through a new perspective” (I can’t tell you which just yet as it’s in early development)
Many of my projects explore themes about identity, perfectionism, gender and injustice. I am very interested in challenging the status quo of gender roles, stereotypes, ideals and prejudices if I can in my work.
I also just love exploring human behavior and unexpected meetings. Humans fascinate me, always have. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been curious about other people’s lives and felt compassion and a want to understand others. Maybe it was because I was extremely shy as a child but even today, people watching and listening in on conversations on buses, trains or in the park is one of my favorite things to do.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes. So many lessons and insights. For me the pandemic was, though challenging, a blessing in disguise. I’ve had time to really dig deep this year (or two!?) and learn what’s important to me and what to let go.
“Be honest with yourself & know what gives you/takes away energy. Surround yourself with people that love and support you and the things you love. Remove all else to clear up space for you and for new passions to bloom. “
“Do the things that you want to do. Don’t wait for the right time, it might never come.” I finally took the time to fully explore screenwriting. I applied for a prestigious screenwriting program in Sweden and got in! So, now I’m a full-time student which is incredibly challenging but heck of a valuable and inspiring experience which I’ve been putting off for… what reason?…. fear?
Take care of the ones you love and mend relationships that need to be healed. Don’t walk around and be proud. Who’s got time for that?
“Self-love.” For me, it includes morning pages, running, rest and play. But whatever it is for you, don’t put it aside or forget it”.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6122710/
- Instagram: @malinbarr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malin.barr
Image Credits:
Profile: Photo by Mickaela Tombrock; Malin Barr, Sawyer Spielberg. Still from HONEYDEW l Courtesy of Dark Star Pictures and Bloody Disgusting.; On set for Evergreen short film.; Photo by Mickaela Tombrock Photos; With Co-writer and director Lisa Baron on set for “Hedda Needs Help”; The Beta Test Premiere at Tribeca 2021. Cast and crew picture with Jim Cummings, PJ McCabe, Virginia Newcomb, Olivia Appelgate, Matt Miller, Natalie Metzger, Ben Weissner etc. Premiere at Tribeca 2021. Getty Images. Cast and crew picture.
