Living the Dream: Fancy Alexandersson

Fancy Alexandersson is a Swedish born actress, dancer and model. She’s a busy lady, not only is she currently developing new film ideas, curating an art show in Istanbul but also recording a pop album with successful American music producer, Nate Walker. We sat down with Fancy in between takes on the set of her new film, Fallen Dream, to find out more about her and her dreams.

You’ve just acted and produced your first movie called Fallen Dream, how did this come about?

I am proud of how Fallen Dream came out. It is my first film as producer and leading actress which has been a life long dream that now has come true.

I wanted to give my life long dream of acting an honest shot. I had a clear vision of the purpose of the film I wanted to make and started mentioning it to different people. Friends in the industry gave the advice to produce it myself with the resources that I already have. It was initially suppose to be a small project that just kept growing bigger. I suppose people wanted to be involved because they believed in the film. After talking to my Swedish friend Erica Bergsmeds early on, director of Fallen Dream and founder of this magazine, I got myself a partner in crime and we created the story and things just built from there. She has become my sister now!

Did you write the script as well?

I was involved with developing the script but I didn’t write it. I brainstormed the concept with Erica. One day she called me and said she had a dream and that was the perfect storyline. Our screenwriter Thomas Beatty put it in writing, and we helped perfect it together.

How did you meet Blowouts Erica Bergsmeds, who directed the film?

I met Erica Bergsmeds in Cannes Film Festival in 2018 through a mutual friend, leaving Paul Allen’s (Co-founder of Microsoft Corporation alongside Bill Gates) renowned yacht party. We clicked right away as we have similar whimsical personalities.

The movie is very relevant right now as its about the metoo movement… why did you want to make a movie on this subject?

I feel that the metoo/times up movement has gone to the extreme, as many movements do, and it has lost it’s focus and meaning. The purpose of the film was to take it back a notch and highlight the actual issue which is equality, not bashing men in any way. I wanted to create something that will make men feel comfortable to support the movement without fear of being accused just because they are men. In all cases in life, we need to look at the individuals and the choices of individuals, not gender, age, colour, religion etc. It is about men and women supporting women AND reflection on that the outcome of our actions can affect much more than we think.

Has something like this happened to you before?

Yes. Having a background in dancing and modeling I have been positioned in vulnerable situations at an early age (started modeling at 13), Throughout my career I have been in situations that I have been sexually manipulated, harrassed, trapped and physically abused. It is not only about the horrible situations that have the most impact on this topic, but the culture that it is acceptable to talk to and about women in a demeaning way. That change needs to come from the men. There is only so much us women can do about that.

You recently visited Richard Branson’s Necker Island. What were you up to there?

I was invited to Richard Branson’s event on his private island in the Caribbean (British Virgin Islands) called Necker Island. I came to network (my life is a constant ”workation” no real breaks haha) and take the opportunity to show Fallen Dream.

What was Richard Like?

Richard was exactly the way I hoped. Genuine, nice, empowering, encouraging. Exactly as his image is portrayed, is my impression. He gave me a ride on his golf cart and he is funny, he got my sarcastic jokes. I still need to tip him for that ride! Lol!

What did he think of the film, did he give you any advice?

He wanted to get the link to the film so he could watch it again. When he watched it he was really into it and I am so appreciative for that.

You’re also a dancer, have you always wanted to be an actress or was dancing your first love?

I have always been an actress, even if not professionally. I remember when I was 9 years old and I played with a ”theatre hat” in the wind and I realised that I was different from the other kids in the way that I had more of an imagination. I started competing in dance when I was 6 because the rest of the family was doing it. My dad says I sucked and I think I developed my proper skills at age 12, when I discovered my passion for music. Music is life! But to answer your questions, acting has and always will be my first love.

As well as dancing, acting and modelling you also have a background in event organising, what’s the craziest event you’ve been asked to organise?

I can’t comment on the craziest event I have been asked to organize. I had to turn it down because it was too crazy!

Do you miss that world?

Absolutelty not. It was never for me, deep inside I always felt my calling to acting and being more creative. I have retired from organizing, and I use that skill in filmproducing now. Same same but different. Same formula but different and more exciting content.

You speak quite openly about suffering from anxiety and depression, how do you cope with that?

Yes, I have suffered anxiety and depression from a traumatic experience about two years ago that totally flipped my life around unexpectedly. Earlier this year I decided to ”announce” that I am suffering badly from this and it was such a relief to not hide behind excuses to cover it up anymore. I needed help and I didn’t get the help I felt I needed from my surrounding and by opening up, people who could understand what I was going through helped me cope.

Do you think the industry helps or hinders this?

I think the industry both helps and hinders. Creating films that raise awareness about this very common illness is great. Educating people how to handle it and support the ones who are battling it is a the support our society needs. But sometimes within the industry can be pretty harsh, due to it being so competitive and people taking advantage of each other and pressure looking the best definitely brings on anxiety.

Whats next for you?

We will now submit Fallen Dream to festivals, and people seem to want it turned into a series or potential feature film. We will see what happens. I am currently recording my first EP with Grammy winning song writer Nate Walker, another first! And got other film projects going on – greater ones that I am super excited about! I will keep working with Erica Bergsmeds, we are a solid creative team now.