FLH caught up with Italian actress Emanuela Postacchini, whose career has taken her from the theatres of Marche to the sets of Los Angeles, to talk about acting, motherhood, and what it means to find your voice across languages and cultures. Full of warmth, grounded energy, and that unmistakable Italian vitality, Emanuela speaks candidly about her journey, from studying languages in Milan to starring alongside Hollywood legends.




FLH:

Emanuela, it’s lovely to speak with you. You’ve lived a truly international life, starting in Italy and now based in Los Angeles. Can you tell us a bit about how that journey began?

Emanuela Postacchini:

I’m an actress living in Los Angeles. I’m originally from Italy, but left when I was young. I spent time in Milan, where I studied international culture and languages at the University of Milan. Not long after, I moved to LA, and I’ve been here for 13 years.
I’ve always been passionate about travelling, learning languages, and getting to know other cultures. Moving to America felt natural, not just for acting work but also to improve my English and connect with people from a new world.


FLH:

Absolutely. Studying languages gives such insight into how people think, it’s like a superpower in the acting world.

Emanuela:

Yes, learning languages was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s helped me a lot as an actress. I’ve played French roles and used my French on set, even performing with an English-French accent. I speak some Spanish and even some Russian, which I picked up because one of my childhood friends only spoke Russian. Later, that actually helped me with Eastern European roles. Being multilingual has opened many doors for me professionally and personally. I love being able to speak to locals wherever I travel.

FLH:

That’s so true. It changes everything when you can connect with someone on that level. There is a saying that goes, “you really know a language when you can joke in it.”

Emanuela:

Exactly. It’s time-consuming, but absolutely worth it. I speak English daily, especially with my Irish partner, actor Eoin Macken. But I still speak Italian and am proud of my accent, even if it’s not perfect. Of course, there are days when I wish I could just wake up with a flawless American pronunciation to get more roles. But I actually enjoy playing with accents. My favourite to perform is French. It feels natural, like it lives inside me.




FLH:

You started your artistic journey relatively young, right? You’re from Marche in Italy. Tell us a bit about how it all began.

Emanuela:

Yes, exactly, Marche. I started as a ballet dancer, and my dad used to take me to rehearsals at this beautiful local theatre. Sometimes, actors would be rehearsing onstage while I was there, and I was completely captivated. I must’ve been 9 or 10. I didn’t even understand what acting was yet, but it pulled me in.
My family wasn’t involved in the arts, but I grew up watching tons of films. I was obsessed with recording them on VHS and replaying them, sometimes 50 times or more. I didn’t realise it then, but I was already falling in love with performance. I’d spy on the actors backstage, fascinated by their routines, energy, and makeup. Ballet brought me into that world, and it felt natural to move toward acting. Later, when I moved to a bigger city, I started taking classes, workshops, and seminars. It’s a long path to feel confident in this craft, and I’m still self-critical, but that early spark came from those moments in the theatre.


FLH:

And then came your very first movie role?

Emanuela:

Yes. Getting that first role in an Italian film was a turning point. You can study acting all you want, but you learn when you’re on set, in character, in the moment. Each project teaches you something new. It motivates you to keep growing, and that’s what I love about it.

FLH:

Speaking of growth, you played a pregnant character in Riff Raff, right? But you weren’t actually pregnant at the time?

Emanuela:

That’s right! I wasn’t pregnant, which made the role even more interesting. I kept asking myself, “How do I do this authentically?” I didn’t have many close friends with children, so I didn’t have a reference point.
During costume fittings, the woman helping me was pregnant, so I just bombarded her with questions. I was so curious. How do you sit? How do you walk? How do you touch your belly? I learned you don’t cross your legs, for example. It became this whole study, and I really enjoyed the challenge.
Then, one month after wrapping the film, I became pregnant myself. It felt fated, like life imitating art.


FLH:

That’s such a beautiful full-circle moment.

Emanuela:

It really is. I think it’ll be something special to share with my daughter one day, that in a way, she was already part of that story.

FLH:

Motherhood is transformative. Has it changed your approach to acting?

Emanuela:

Absolutely, and yes, sleep deprivation is very real. But I’m slowly returning to work. I haven’t filmed anything since having my baby, but I’m starting a project in August, my first as a mum. My partner’s an actor too, so we’re figuring out how to juggle set life with a baby. My mum is even coming to stay with us, which is wonderful because I miss her so much. It’ll be three generations together, which feels special.
As for acting, motherhood has given me more emotional depth, confidence, and strength. I know it’ll add layers to my performances that weren’t there before, and I’m excited to explore that.


FLH:

There’s something about urgency and focus that kicks in when time becomes limited. Most mothers I talk to say they become more decisive and powerful in their energy.

Emanuela:

Yes, exactly. You feel clearer and more purposeful. You’re responsible for more now, so you step into a deeper dedication. And I think about all the women who’ve done this before us, many with more children. I’m not nervous. I’m thrilled. A baby doesn’t take away from your life; it adds something extraordinary.


FLH:

When it comes to your professional work, how do you choose your roles? Or do they find you?

Emanuela:

It’s a mix. Early on, you hustle for everything. But in the last few years, some projects have come to me, and I’m very grateful. Riff Raff was a big moment; my first leading role was opposite iconic talent like Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray. Total legends. I grew up watching them, never imagining I’d one day work alongside them.
Even roles I wasn’t initially drawn to ended up being rewarding. You bring your own interpretation to a character, make it your own. I’m currently producing and acting in a vampire movie directed by Alexandra Cassavetes, which I also executive produced. I’m passionate about it. It’s one of my favourite genres.

FLH:

Genre films, but also the classics, right?

Emanuela:

Yes. I grew up watching Italian cinema from the ’60s. I’m a huge Antonioni devotee. I also love Carl Theodor Dreyer. I’ve always been drawn to films that are both visually striking and emotionally rich, ones that dare to be different.


FLH:

That blending of style and substance really defines today’s most exciting filmmakers. Combining aesthetics, tone, and reference points, it’s thrilling.

Emanuela:

Absolutely. The film industry is evolving in beautiful ways. There’s so much from the past to draw upon, but now it’s seen through a fresh lens. Casting is more international. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV let stories be told anywhere and seen everywhere.


FLH:

And finally, more space for women’s voices.

Emanuela:

Yes, slowly but surely. The pay gap is still real, but progress is happening. More women are speaking out, claiming space, and shaping the industry.


FLH:

Do you know what the year ahead looks like for you?

Emanuela:

I wish! That’s the most unpredictable part of being an actor. You never know. One audition could take you across the world within days. But that’s also what makes it exhilarating.
I’ll be filming a project in Italy soon. I haven’t shot in Italy for years, I’m very excited! I’ll be playing a strong, powerful characterI. I´m also looking forward to the release of the vampire film. It’s been a passion project with a lot of my energy behind it.
And beyond that? Just continuing to grow, as an actress and as a mother.


FLH:

There’s so much to look forward to. To close, our magazine is titled  Faith, Love, Hope. If you had to pick one today, which would it be?

Emanuela:

Love. Always love. We’re made of love. And especially now, with my daughter, that’s all I feel. A boundless, all-encompassing love.


FLH:

Thank you, Emanuela. It was a pleasure to hear your story.

Emanuela:

Thank you, Johanna. It was great talking to you.
Ciao!

Creative Direction & Styling   Sandy Kirik
Photography   Peppe Tortora
Words Johanna Engvall
MUA   Sabina Pinsone
Hair   Alberto Boggeri
Styling Assistants   Bianca Lofti & Moriii Robert
Talent   Emanuela Postacchini | MPunto Comunicazione

L’ENNUI BOURGEOIS

L’ANGOISSE

FAITH LOVE HOPE STUDIOS