What are you currently working on?
I’m currently preparing a role for a German feature film and a very exciting leading part in an episode of a TV crime show – unfortunately, I can’t tell you more about these projects at this point. And I’m currently in the final stages of preparing the film acting classes in Bolzano starting this fall.
Which of your projects to date are you particularly proud of?
There are so many, so let’s just focus on the most recent ones: the feature film Persona non Grata (2024), which is now playing in cinemas in Italy and deals with a crucial topic, the TV show Brennero airing in September – I always wanted to play a policewoman –, and various short film projects I truly poured my heart into such as FRANKY (2022) by Catharina Lott or NURA (2023) by Lorenz Klapfer.
I recently returned from a month in Gran Canaria, shooting the Die drei Fragezeichen movie. I loved listening to the audio dramas when I was younger, and now I got the chance to be a part of it myself. On set, the author, who had written the book 25 years ago, approached me and said: “That’s what I imagined the character to be like when I wrote it.”
What role would you love to play?
Something like Nikita by Luc Besson. Or a female Robin Hood.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who keep their inner peace in that crazy life of ours.
What does creativity mean to you?
Be daring and bold, venture comfortably into the unknown, full of courage to experiment no matter the outcome, striking the right balance between pushing ahead and magically letting things fall into place.
Your dream location is...
I love locations with a special atmosphere such as dark churches or high up a mountain, as such strong, immersive environments truly boost my acting.
What’s your favourite series?
There’s a perfect TV show for every stage of your life. At the moment, I’m rewatching an older show, but it’s still amazing: Game of Thrones.
When did you last cry in the cinema?
A movie I recently cried at was the animated film Ratatouille: a grey rat turned starred chef – a deliciously entertaining, yet highly emotional movie.
Is there a scene that takes your breath away each time you watch it?
Cate Blanchett’s monologue on the phone in Blue Jasmine.
What film would you love to watch for the first time again?
Little Miss Sunshine.
Cinema or streaming?
As much as I miss the comfort of my sofa at home, I still prefer the big screen – nothing compares to the atmosphere at the movies.
Protagonist or antagonist?
I don’t care, but the role better be complex.
Actress Katja Lechthaler started her career in Munich. During her time as a student of German culture and language and theatre education, she began exploring the city’s off-theatre scene. Soon, her talent was spotted, and she landed the lead role in the play Weibsteufel at the Garmischer Kultursommer festival, where she also met her first agent. This also marked the beginning of her journey into the film industry. She attended Dominique de Fazio’s acting academy in Rome for three years and now works as an actress in both cinema movies and television shows in Germany, Austria, and Italy.
Katja Lechthaler is also a communication coach – a field of work in which she can apply the skills and experience from her actor’s training. Eight years ago, she founded the bilingual Schauspielakademie Südtirol acting academy together with Carlo Magaletti which offers film acting classes for adolescents and adults.