Its beauty is in simplicity, its skill in naturalness. Dowry, for an actor, study result. The new test for Ester Pantano is Suleima. The Catania actress, born and raised between TV and cinema due to her parents’ work (debut with Andrea Rusich’s “Blue lips” and then Paolo Virzì’s “Magic Nights”), makes her way with roles that put her more and more in evidence. Suleima is the protagonist of the TV series “Màkari” by Michele Soavi (from today on Rai1 in prime time). The series produced by Rai Fiction and Palomar is inspired by the stories of Gaetano Savatteri set on the coast of Trapani, in the hamlet of Macari (with the c). Alongside the young girl from Catania, Claudio Gioè (repentant journalist and detective by chance Saverio La Manna) and Domenico Centamori, (also from Catania) Piccionello, Lamanna’s shoulder.
Ester is now on the set of “Imma Tataranni 2”, in the role, already hers in the first series of Rai1, of tough and determined police officer, alongside Vanessa Scalera, deputy prosecutor. Directed by Francesco Amato.
“Camilleri Award” at the Cortinametraggio Festival for the interpretation of “The move of the horse”, the actress made “Prometheus” for the Amenano Festival at the Greek-Roman Theater in Catania, produced by Michele Di Dio.
Your opinion on “Màkari”?
«I am very happy for the new role, not very characterized, strong in the sense of classic femininity. At the beginning we do not know what it is, they only made us read a small excerpt. After I went to read Savatteri and the thing I am honored by is that an adaptation was made for me: Suleima in the literary page is from Bassano del Grappa. They did a lot of auditions, they were looking for a blonde and not having found the right one they thought of me. Thanks to Barbara Daniele (casting director), Michele Soavi and Carlo Degli Esposti (Palomar). Suleima is from Catania, she studies architecture in Florence, in the summer she returns to Sicily to work ».
Did being with Claudio Gioè intimidate you?
«It was a good challenge. I also loved the humanity of the character of Centamori ».
How did the locals welcome you?
“In the film there are daily local problems. The restaurant where I work, however, was created for the film in the trap of Scopello ».
Mysteries to solve. You detective too.
«With feminine intuition. Beautiful experience, very beautiful, very formative ».
Is it the first time with Soavi?
«Yes, with me it was a love from the first audition, there were critical moments on the set due to Covid but all of them were overcome. Great director and very human, also from Cancer like me. Francesco Amato is also very prepared and humane. He has an interest in knowing the person in the actor ».
Seriality gives great visibility. Can it be a hindrance?
“Partially yes. Because I might be forced to give up other jobs ».
How do you imagine your professional future? Will you still do theater?
“With ‘Prometheus’ we had to go to the Cyprus Festival and New York. The tour is postponed to 2022. Nice operation ».
Which of your characters involved you the most?
«Cristina from“ The move of the horse ”, great work on the character. But I loved Suleima one of the most structured characters very much ».
Do you live in Rome but when you come to Catania do you feel discomfort in being recognized by the people?
“Not many people recognize me yet!”
Raised at the King in Catania, a great lover of cinema. Which actress do you feel as a model?
«Frances Mc Dormand and her ‘Three Billboards in Ebbing, Missouri’».
Difficult model but ambition serves.