We arrived on set and started setting up for our April cover shoot. It was a cloudy day in the city, as always. Once Gizem arrived on set, we got started instantly. The actress took on every look with a new attitude, showing how versatile Gizem Emre truly is. Often, when meeting new people on set, there is a period of ‘getting warmed up’ and adjusting to the energies around you. With Gizem, however, it didn’t take long until we were all laughing, kiki-ing, talking about life and boy troubles.
Today’s media makes it difficult to feel real authenticity, especially in the film and television industry. In this April digital cover story interview, we spoke about roots, impressions, identity, and how it all ties together in Gizem’s life. No matter if you slip in and out of roles or have a strong online presence, authenticity is about being confident enough to be your organic self in any situation.
While learning to play different characters, the actress walked away from each role learning not only more about herself, but more about the empathy we can show others. Though that doesn’t mean you have to instantly open up to every person you meet, you can still take on every interaction with the mindset that you are enough. Gizem Emre showed us that no matter the circumstance, you can be you, and that’s the best ‘role’ you can play.
Full look: Gucci
Berlin comes up a lot in your work, as the city you were raised in and currently still live in. What do you think the city has taught you about staying true to your authentic self? How does that shape who you are on and off the screen?
Berlin is such a special place for me because so many different life paths coexist here side by side. That’s what makes the city unique and bold. I’ve often felt like a traveler shuttling between two worlds—two cultures in which I move.
But honestly, it wasn’t always easy. There were times when I went through identity crises and felt torn inside. Fortunately, my parents were always very open-minded and liberal, which helped me a lot.
I was the first in my family to move out early to stand on my own two feet. Freedom has always been a big deal to me; I wanted to forge my own path and test my limits.
Acting has been my anchor from the very beginning. Movies and the atmosphere on set fill me with joy. I have the privilege of being able to work on characters and incorporate my own experiences into them.
What’s the hardest character you’ve embodied so far, and what did that role teach you?
Every role challenges you in its own way, sometimes more, sometimes less. Many of my roles have really given me a lot of courage. I used to be rather reserved, but today I feel confident and have learned over time to stand up for myself.
Acting has helped me read situations better and become even more empathetic overall. You simply learn to put yourself in the shoes of very different people, which makes you more open-minded and attentive.
In an industry that often tries to categorize people, how do you resist being boxed into a single identity? Do you ever feel limited by stereotypes?
It’s important to me to show that identity is complex and cannot be reduced to a single narrative. Stereotypes exist, but I see this as an opportunity to challenge and break them down through my work.
Top – Courrèges, Bottom – Coperni
How do you balance emotional vulnerability with resilience in your craft? Have there been moments where your character had to be vulnerable, but Gizem had to stay emotionally strong?
I’d say I’m good at keeping my work and personal life separate. I rarely take the characters I play home with me.
Still, sometimes I find myself dreaming about those very stories or emotions. On set, I use various methods to tap into certain emotions, but those remain my little secret.
Running a café with your father is very different from standing on a film set. What inspired you to open a business together? Does entrepreneurship run in your family?
The café was a decision we made together pretty quickly. It was clear to us: we wanted to create a place where people could come together and connect. For us, it was about being independent and shaping the space together.
What did success mean to you when you were younger? Has that definition changed for you?
At first, success didn’t mean much to me. I just did what I enjoyed. I didn’t have any big goals; I took it one shooting day at a time and was grateful for every day I didn’t have to spend at school *laughs*.
Today, success is a relative concept for me. I feel successful when I get to work on stories that touch and move people.
“It’s important to me to show that identity is complex and cannot be reduced to a single narrative.“
Full look: Coperni
Full look: ALAÏA
When you think about “home,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? A place, person, taste, memory, etc.
My parents and my mother’s cooking. I recently moved and found my old diaries. They still had exactly the same lovely scent as they did back then.
In a world obsessed with labels, what’s a label you’ve outgrown? What’s something people assume about you that you don’t identify with?
I used to often feel like I had to explain myself: where I come from, what culture I belong to, or which box I fit into. Over time, I’ve learned that I’m not just one thing. I am many things at once, and that’s exactly what shapes my perspective.
People tend to quickly categorize others, but I no longer let that define me. I decide for myself who I am and how I present myself.
What are you looking forward to exploring this year? Any new interests or projects coming up for you in 2026?
There’s a lot happening in the film world again this year, and I’m really looking forward to it. Storytelling is becoming bolder once more, and I’m already excited to be part of stories that take risks.
Left – Ferragamo, Right – Gucci
Credits:
Talent – Gizem Emre via BTA
Photographer – Pascal Behring
Styling & Creative Direction – Neslihan Degerli
H&M – Jasmin Oliveira
H&M Assistant – Ahmad Rasoul
Managing Editor – Jasmin Kraenzel
Production Assistant – Nola Syla
Production by avec nous GmbH
