interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Naran is the star of Chinese fantasy epic film ‘Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms’, that was released in July 2023. Naran, who brings her enchanting character Su Daji to life with her unique aura, is also a fashionista off screen.

Naran, last year you starred in the enormously successful fantasy film ‘Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms’. Tell us more about how you landed this role.
I learned about the global audition for this ‘Creation of the Gods’ trilogy by chance. Because I have always aspired to become an actress since I was young, I thought this was a great opportunity. After entering the training camp, I participated in many trainings related to this character, such as dance, horse riding, martial arts, guqin and so on. 

top FERRAGAMO
jewelry WELLENDORFF

dress RANANRI
rings WELLENDORFF

In the first film of this Fengshen trilogy, you portray Su Daji, a royal consort of the Shang Dynasty and fox spirit. In every production over the years, viewers are wondering how will this legendary character be portrayed. How much pressure did this put you under, and how did you make your portrayal of Su Daji unique?
When I went to the audition for the first time, I was quite confident about myself and I didn’t really know yet that Daji is such a classic character. It wasn’t until I had a thorough understanding of this character that I realized its importance. 

As an actress, I feel that I am just trying my best to recreate the director and screenwriter’s Daji in their hearts, interpreting it from all the details I perceived. In the first part of ‘Creation of the Gods’, Daji may be more inclined towards the fox, so the character has a lot more animal attributes. Thus, I observed and learned more about the movements and expressions of foxes in daily practice, and I tried to imitate them and then applied them into performances. 

full look PANTTERFLY
jewelry MAISON DE BIJOUX

For this role, you had to undergo a 6-month training. How did this long process look like, what did you had to learn before filming?
When I participated in it, I didn’t actually think it was very long because I was always in a learning state. I feel it’s like attending a master class and it was a rare learning experience. What sets me apart from other actresses is that in addition to some basic training, I also needed to learn Chinese and dancing because there is an important scene in the film, which is Daji’s solo dance and I needed to wear a long wig to dance. 

What is your favorite new thing that you have learned while doing this film?
During the preparation and production of this film I was actually exposed to a lot of Chinese culture, history, as well as martial arts, guqin, dance and so on, which I had never been exposed to before. I really like playing guqin and I feel that its sound is particularly healing. After filming, I have been learning and practicing guqin still. 

dress THOM BROWNE
top HIMAWARI
earrings FRED

The film itself garnered huge success in China, but it also contributed to your recognition and success as an actress. How do all the raving reviews make you feel, and how has the film’s success open doors for you in the acting world?
I really appreciate everyone’s recognition and encouragement of me. As an actress, I feel that ‘Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms’ is my beginning and I hope to have more roles and work in the future, becoming more and more experienced. 

What are your dreams and plans for the future of your acting career?
As an actor, of course I hope to keep filming and try more different roles and projects. Furthermore, I hope that I can continue to grow with a down-to-earth attitude and become an excellent actor. 

dress HUAMUSHEN
jewelry DARRY RING
hair accessory CHEN XIN

What upcoming projects do you have coming out this year, and what can you share with us about them?
My focus will be still on acting and I hope to bring new works to everyone. 

In your free time, you love boxing and yoga. Why is physical fitness something so important in your life?
Exercising is very important to me. It can help me regain my strength, restart my emotions and relax my body and mind. It also helps me maintain a healthy mindset and lifestyle, which makes me happy. 

blazer and skirt DO LONG OFFICIAL
bodysuit LE FAME
jewelry YUAN FIELD

Off screen, you are also a huge fashionista. Tell us more about what makes you passionate about fashion and what you love the most about it.
Both of my parents are artists, so I have been to various exhibitions since I was little. We also had a lot of interior design magazines back at home, so I’d say I started getting exposed to fashion and trends at my early age. To me, fashion is more kind of perception than passion. I just have an intuitive liking for it that cannot be explained for any reason. 

How would you describe your personal style? Do you have a favorite current fashion trend?
I prefer simple and versatile combinations, without spending too much time struggling. Occasionally, I would also buy several clothes of the same style just because I like it very much. 

full look N. PAIA
shoes THOM BROWNE

TEAM CREDITS:
talent NARAN
photography DALONG YANG
styling IVY LEUNG
hair WEN QI
makeup WEI YUNLAI
production CORY COUTURE PRODUCTIONS & VALENTINA GUROVA
executive producer EVAN XIONG
photography assistant MENG LINGLIANG
styling assistant KATHY AT IVYPLUME
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN