DILARA FOSCHT: ON ACTING IN ‘DAY OF A LION’

INTERVIEW: DILARA FOSCHT

BY RYAN M. LUEVANO

In the vibrant world of film and theater, few artists embody the spirit of versatility quite like Dilara Foscht. An internationally recognized multi-hyphenate, Dilara has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in dance to becoming a formidable actress and now filmmaker. Born and raised in Austria, with roots tracing back to Italy and Slovenia, her diverse background enriches her performances with a unique depth. After honing her craft on stage and in various productions across Austria and Germany, Dilara has taken a bold step forward with her latest project, Day of a Lion. Not only did she, with her sister Bianca, star in this feature film, but she also took on the roles of writer, director, and producer, showcasing her multifaceted talent. As Day of a Lion gears up for its digital release on August 15th, 2025, Dilara joins us to share her experiences as an actress in this groundbreaking film and to discuss what exciting projects lie ahead in her ever-evolving career.

When writing Dolly how did you incorporate your own acting strengths into her character?

Before Dolly “the character” was even written on the page, I toyed with the idea of playing a character that is “larger than life”,- a trailblazer, as we call it. I remember reading a lot of theater plays when we developed Day of a Lion, from Shanley to LaBute, so I think I was drawn to big, complex characters. Mostly, I think, because I am not a “big personality” in real life. I love exploring characters that are quite different from my own personality. It’s what makes acting so very exciting,- wearing different people’s shoes.

In my opinion, character is story. So, after the story was written and developed, I explored why Dolly behaves the way she does and why she says what she says. And don’t get me wrong,- she drops some real bombs in her conversations with Wanda. It was more a curiosity about this person, “Dolly,” than me trying to incorporate any of my “acting skills” into a character. I’m not sure if that would have made for an intriguing character.

Every character, like us humans, comes from somewhere and is going somewhere. Throughout the entire writing process, we were steered by curiosity about the story and its characters, never a want or need to “showcase” any acting skills. I think the best testament to an actor is when the audience believes what they see. If the actor can truthfully portray another person’s life, making it look effortless and real, that’s all I’d want to achieve. When people come out of the movie saying, “Man, that woman was a beast,” I know I did my job right.

I think my emotional awareness as an actress and empathy for people, as well as characters, is one of my strengths that helps me with every character I tackle. Emotional fragility is something I incorporate into every person I play. For me, there needs to be substance to build upon.

Can you share your process for getting into the mindset of your character in the film?

A big part of stepping into Dolly’s shoes was literally finding the right shoes. Since the script is set in the 1950s, the costume played an important role, and we spent weeks with our costume designer to find the right wardrobe for the characters. The shoes we found in an actual vintage store, and once I tried them on, I knew I had found the core of Dolly. For this character, the British “outside-in” approach was a big part of my toolbox.

Journaling was helpful, too. I carried this big notebook with me for weeks before shooting, so anytime a thought about the character came to mind, I would write it down. It felt like I was carrying Dolly with me in my daily life. When I journal, I usually use different handwriting for every character I play. It helps me slip into their world and mind in an instant.

One thing I also like to do with any character I play is to “take them to therapy.” Not literally, but as an exercise where I imagine myself (as the character) talking to a therapist. In therapy, we share our deepest vulnerabilities, so I think it’s a great way to explore a character’s inner life and where their insecurities, wants, and needs lie.

What do you hope audiences take away from your performance in Day of A Lion?

Honestly, I don’t really have an answer for this one. I don’t think it’s up to me to decide what people take away from the movie. I believe whatever one takes away, it’s a good sign–it means people cared enough to form an opinion.

With the film industry evolving, what do you think are the most important skills for actresses to develop today?

I believe creating stories is crucial, these days more than ever. That being said, I am learning as I go, discovering more about this industry by the day. Just starting out in my career, I might not be the best person to ask, but I do believe that creating one’s own work can be beneficial. It not only helps develop other skill sets but also makes communication on set so much easier. And as Alfred Hitchcock and many after him said, “Actors are writers, and writers are actors.” And I believe he was right about that!

What are your future aspirations as an actress?

I am really open to anything. If the story is good I’m all in. That being said I love period pieces and coming of age stories alla British cinema. Little Women by Greta Gerwig, Corsage by Marie Kreutzer or Ophelia by Claire McCarthy are some of my 21st century favourites. But really any story with a strong, awkward, bold or different female character. A character that excites that little kid inside of me.

Are there specific genres or roles you are eager to explore next?

This somewhat ties back with my previous answer but I would absolutely love to explore more period pieces, especially anything between the 1920 to 1990s are what I love. Fashion, hairstyles, music,- everything had such interesting turns in the different time periods. I love doing that research when working on a period piece. I’m also a great fan of musicals, especially growing up dancing, it would be a dream to be involved in a musical at some point. And of course theater. I would love to go back and do some more theater. As an actress I love the live response one only gets in the theater.

PREORDER DOAL ON APPLE TV

CONNECT WITH DILARA ON SOCIAL MEDIA

DAY OF A LION ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/dayofalion.film/

FOSCHT TWINS ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/foschttwins/

DILARIA FOSCHT ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/dilara_foscht/

DILARA IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11259677/