Legendary Kiwi actor Lucy Lawless, renowned for her iconic roles in Xena: Warrior Princess, Battlestar Galactica, and Spartacus: Blood and Sand, recently sat down with HeyUGuys to discuss her compelling directorial debut, Never Look Away. The film delves into the remarkable life and career of Margaret Moth, one of New Zealand’s most fearless war photographers. The film represents a bold and exciting shift for Lawless as she transitions from her celebrated acting career to the challenging and creative world behind the camera.
In the interview, Lawless shared her deep admiration for Moth, whose life was a testament to courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth through photojournalism. Moth’s fearless approach to capturing stories resulted in her being shot by a sniper suring the siege of Sarajevo in 1992. Lawless spoke passionately about the responsibility of telling Moth’s story authentically, ensuring that her unparalled spirit and groundbreaking work resonate with audiences.
Reflecting on the differences between working in front of and behind the camera, Lawless highlighted the creative challenges and rewards of directing. While acting involves immersing oneself in a character and contributing to a larger vision, directing demands a bird’s-eye perspective—overseeing every detail, from storytelling to performance, and making critical decisions to bring a project to life. For Lawless, this shift was invigorating, sparking a newfound hunger for directorial work. She emphasised how the experience allowed her to explore storytelling in a more holistic way, opening doors to creative possibilities she hadn’t previously considered.
Never Look Away not only showcases Lawless’s evolving artistic talents but also serves as a powerful tribute to an extraordinary woman who redefined boundaries in her field. With her directorial debut, Lawless proves she is just as fearless and compelling behind the camera as she is in front of it.
Never Look Away is in cinemas now.
