Gana Bayarsaikhan: “I’m trying hard to get accepted into the Hollywood world”
A couple of months ago I had a chance to take an online interview with rising actor Gana Bayarsaikhan, who is representative of Mongolia in the Hollywood world. Before starting her career as an actress, she was a model and worked on commercials and music videos.
Last year she played the leading role (role of The Girl) in Waiting for the Barbarians which was adapted from the Noble Award-winning novel written by Coetzee in 1980. The film was directed by two-time Cannes Festival award-winning director Ciro Guerra and premiered at the 76th Venice Film Festival in 2019.
She begins an extraordinary career in acting, starring in Hollywood movies such as Ex-Machina, Wonder Woman, ‘Intelligence’, ‘Mad Lord’, Peaky Blinders, etc.
Mongolian version was published in lead.style.
-Our warm greetings from Mongolia. First, let us congratulate you and your team for the upcoming release of Waiting for the Barbarians in Mongolia.
Thank you, and thank you, for having me.
-Let’s start with your current projects. What are you working on at the moment?
-I will be playing Tuva Olsen in season 2 of the INTELLIGENCE TV series; season 1 was released earlier this year in the UK and in July in the USA.
How do you think your childhood, the places you were raised, and your family have affected your desire to seek and succeed in Hollywood?
Growing up, I have always loved stories, whether through the medium of books or films. After watching a film, I would keep playing it in my head over and over, for a long time, so I could relive the story. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother in the countryside. I used to play with my brother and cousins in the vast Mongolian wilderness. We used to play a lot with stones, plants, and anything we could find to turn into toys. My imagination would run wild. I guess that is a very useful skill to have as an actor.
When have you decided, and how did you start your career in modelling and cinematography?
I was scouted as a model in London. I guess I was in the right place at the right time. Later on, I naturally moved to acting.
What has attracted you to movies and cinematography? Looking back on the starting point and path to Hollywood.
Interestingly, when I was working on commercials and music videos, I struggled sometimes because it often required me to act as somebody else, so I decided to take some acting classes. Before I knew it, I was really into it, which encouraged me to train in drama school for 4 years. This was a turning point for me, as I gained valuable skills, which resulted in roles such as my first significant role, Jade, in Ex Machina. This role was a great experience because I was still learning at drama school. I mean, looking back, that was a great opportunity to play a small yet intense role where I could apply my then-new skills.
What habits and traits have had the most impact on shaping today’s Gana as a Hollywood actress?
-Hmm. I can’t call myself a Hollywood actor! I think it takes a great deal to be one. When I think about Hollywood actors, names such as Tom Hanks, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, and many other talented actors cross my mind. Their craft is amazing.
I am an actor and a storyteller, who is starting out her career and who works hard. I think hard work is very important in any industry.
How was the process of casting for such a huge production, and how did you manage to break through the requirements? How did you prepare for the role?
It happened by chance and was not a straightforward process, which has made it more meaningful and memorable for me! I was told later on that J. M. Coetzee, the author of the novel Waiting for the Barbarians, was keen to cast me, which made me very happy. I mean what an honour to have the author champion me, right?!
I was so happy because the role of The Girl was such a complex one to take on. The fact that producer Michael Fitzgerald had been waiting 30 years to make the film added to the pressure, but also increased my desire of wanting to make sure I did the best I could for the character.
This character was challenging in every way, and I am grateful for how it has made me grow as an actor through this process. I’m naturally drawn to challenging roles and this was a great opportunity to showcase my abilities. I explored The Girl’s character from many different angles to try to understand what she was about. J. M. Coetzee’s novel was the foundation for this process, where I worked on the physicality of the character and her emotional journey, but I also really connected to my nomadic culture. This was quite a powerful exercise, as it forced me to reconnect with nature and indirectly made me go back to my childhood memories with my grandmother. She was instrumental in the character’s development, so I dedicate this to her.
Aside from you, there were other Mongolian cast members in the production. I guess it was a pleasant experience to work as a team with fellow Mongolians.
-It was incredible to work with fellow talented Mongolian actors Tserendavga, Gursed, Dulguun-Erdene, the horsemen from Mongolia and Mongolian extras came to join the production from London.
The Mongolian actors were very professional when working on the project. The WFTB team were super impressed with their work, which made me very proud because I know there is a lot of creative talent in Mongolia!
-How long the production of the Waiting for the Barbarians lasted? Please share with us the experience of playing a leading female in such a production.
WFTB was filmed in Morocco for over two months in 2018. It was a great honour and experience to play the lead female role alongside incredibly talented artists. Everyone was so kind to me, respected me, and gave me the space I needed for the role. I was very grateful for this as I often had to isolate myself during filming as the processes of preparation I used required me to do so.
-What is the most memorable or favourite moment during the -production?
-I enjoyed every moment and every aspect of it. So far, it was one of my favourite films to work on. I am grateful for how the project and the talented and passionate people behind it have made me grow as an actor.
Please give us three reasons why one should go and see the movie.
Firstly, there are wonderful, talented Mongolian actors in this production who are very respected for their work in Mongolia. Secondly. This film is universal in its message and reach; it deals with wider themes that have been documented throughout the history of mankind and are still prevalent to this day around the world.
Lastly, I am delighted that cinemas across Mongolia have reopened, following necessary social distancing measures, allowing you to fully experience the beautiful, poetic yet challenging, and thought-provoking film on the big screens.
- If you are to evaluate the production, plot and whole process as an actress, what are your thoughts at this point in time?
Everyone who worked on this project was a master in their own field from writer, to costume, to make-up and so on. I mean the subject matter of this film is not easy so I guess that’s why it took 30 years to make it.
Which role was the most challenging up until now? And why?
Definitely the girl’s character. It was challenging in many ways but it also gave me so many opportunities as an actor.
What is the desirable role you would take on for your next project?
I am just really keen to keep playing different roles. Up until now, I have played The Girl in WFTB, a computer hacker in INTELLIGENCE and an undercover assassin in Peaky Blinders. Looking to the future, I would not mind playing a quirky sci-fi, fantasy, or action-packed role next.
-How the movie industry influenced you personally?
-It has taught me to be patient. However, I still find it challenging at times.
-What was the turning point in your life?
-Probably deciding to study drama and acting.
-Aside from cinematography and modelling, what other activities are you involved in? How much free time do you have, and what do you do then?
-I love to paint. At the moment, I am into acrylic paintings.
-Which movie had the most impact or was most loved by you?
Mongolian old movies, and I love cartoons such as those from Studio Ghibli.
What is the recipe for being attractive as a woman?
For me, being attractive as a woman is about being able to accept oneself for who and what you are from within.
-Thank you for your time. I wish you all the best and success in your professional path.
Thank you so much for having me.
