Roberta Sparta is an Italian producer who has established herself on the international scene with determination and a well-defined artistic vision. At the head of her production company, Sparta Productions, she brought the horror film The Remedy to the Cannes market, consolidating her presence among the new faces of genre cinema. In this interview, she talks about the challenges and achievements of her journey as a producer, her creative approach, and the value of connecting with the Italian community in Los Angeles.
Roberta, let’s start from the beginning: where are you from?I come from two small towns in the province of Vicenza. My mother is from Veneto, my father from Sicily. I grew up in a very small family, mom, dad, and my sister, who unfortunately passed away when I was 14. Despite everything, my parents have always supported me.
How did you get to the film world?My initial dream was to be a manager. At 16, by chance, I was noticed by a Pupa makeup artist in a shopping mall. From there began a career as a model, then advertising, then acting. But it was with production that I found my real space.
When did your life in Los Angeles begin?In 2008, I auditioned for the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles and was admitted. After an initial period without a work visa, I got a green card and moved there permanently in 2012. It was a big change, including language: at first I didn’t understand anything, but then everything changed with study and determination.
Your film The Remedy made it to Cannes. How did this adventure come about?The Remedy is a horror film that I produced together with Alex Kahuam and Daniel Kuhlman. It was selected at the Cannes market, which was a unique experience: full hall, vibrant atmosphere, and the pleasure of having my parents with me. It was also a great networking moment: I met new agents, producers, and potential partners for future projects.
What does Cannes mean to a producer like you?It is the beating heart of the film market. It’s not just glamour; Cannes dictates international buying and distribution trends. Taking a project there means believing in its global potential.
What is it like to be a producer in the American system?I am fascinated by the American production model and their positive mindset. There really is the spirit of “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” here. In a complex industry like film, where million-dollar budgets are often lacking, creativity and organization make all the difference. This is my style: combining artistic vision and pragmatism.
You have also started directing: how does this fit into your career?Yes, I recently directed I Am In Love, which was selected in 50 festivals and awarded last week. Directing is a natural extension of producing: it allows me to fully express my aesthetic vision.
You also had a part in the world of Star Wars: How did you get there?It was a special experience. I played Sally Organa in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+. To date I am the only Italian actress to have been part of the Star Wars franchise and the only one in the world to have played that character. It was a small role, but a significant one for me: an important recognition within one of the most iconic sagas in film history.
What projects are you pursuing now?With Sparta Productions I am pursuing several projects. I’m about to leave for Italy to co-produce Vino, a film with American actors shot in Tuscany. Then I will return to Los Angeles to shoot new “verticals,” micro-dramas in a 9:16 format designed for smartphones, a format in which I work regularly. We are also developing an action vertical, an interesting twist on the classic romances.
How do you balance work with your Italian roots?Since 2021 I have been an ambassador for the Italian Women USA group in Los Angeles. I combine work and community: recently I had two girls from the group on set. It’s nice to be able to help, to create networks, to keep the connection with Italy alive even in small daily gestures.
What would you say to yourself today, that Roberta who packed her suitcase for America? “Trust your instincts. You will succeed. Make decisions when you are centered, but don’t be afraid. Go for it. You can do it.”
The article Roberta Sparta: “With The Remedy I brought my independent cinema to Cannes” comes from TheNewyorker.
