Meet Carlotta Parodi

We were lucky to catch up with Carlotta Parodi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carlotta, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Hi everyone, and thank you for having me for this conversation on your beautiful magazine.
I found my purpose when I realized that through acting, I could turn pain into something meaningful—not only for myself, but for others too.
My passion for cinema began very early, but it became a true calling when I started taking on roles that allowed me to explore psychological distress and human vulnerability in depth. From that moment on, I understood that my mission as an actress was to give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.
So, my purpose is simply to tell stories about mental illness and human fragility through the characters I play, with the goal of breaking down the stigma and the wall that so often forms around these topics.
In recent years, I’ve been very selective about the projects I take on, because I have a clear vision: as a dramatic actress, I want to talk about suffering—with a particular focus on mental health—so that anyone can feel free to ask for help without shame.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Carlotta Parodi, I’m an Italian actress, and in recent years I’ve chosen to focus on emotionally intense projects that explore deep social and psychological themes. After establishing myself in the Italian film scene with roles that have received attention and acclaim, I’m now pursuing an artistic path that puts human fragility and the hidden corners of the psyche at its core.

I truly believe that cinema has the power to raise awareness, spark empathy, and bring about change.
What I find most fulfilling in my work is the ability to give voice to what is often left unspoken: mental illness, addiction, trauma, and the more complex sides of motherhood. Through body and voice, I strive to portray these realities with depth and honesty.

One of the most significant projects I’ve worked on is Big Noise, a raw and courageous film that tackles the theme of postpartum depression. I played the lead role, Vera—a mother battling her mental illness who, through resilience, manages to rise from the darkness.
The film has traveled the world, winning 26 international awards and becoming a finalist at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival.

My next leading role is in The Stray Beauty – La Creatura dei Caruggi, an intense drama inspired by a true story, which will be filmed between Genoa and New York City. It tells a story of love and self-destruction between two young outcasts, exploring themes such as addiction, urban decay, and the fragile hope for redemption.

I’m drawn to a kind of visceral, sincere, emotionally driven cinema—one that doesn’t shy away from pain, but turns it into meaningful dialogue.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe three key qualities have shaped my journey: empathy, discipline, and the courage to stay true to my artistic vision.

Empathy is what allows me to step into a character without judgment—even when they are destructive, fragile, or morally complex. For an actress, it’s a powerful tool that lets you portray the human condition with authenticity.

Discipline is what gets you up in the morning even when you’re exhausted. It’s about study, preparation, showing up fully present every time the camera rolls. It’s the invisible foundation behind everything.

And finally, staying true to your voice. That may be the hardest part, because the world often pushes you to conform, to please, to simplify. But if you have something meaningful to say, protect it—even if it means waiting for the right project, the right role, the right people.

My advice to anyone at the beginning of their journey is this: train your empathy by observing real life, study with seriousness, and take the time to truly know yourself—so you’ll recognize the stories that are truly worth telling for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zaccariacommunication.com/carlottaparodi1/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlotta.parodi/profilecard/?igsh=YzA2MG01bmFwcjl2

Image Credits

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone

Piergiorgio Pirrone