IN CONVERSATION WITH AMÉLIE HOEFERLE

interview by JANA LETONJA

With a string of major film and television projects already under her belt, Amélie Hoeferle is entering what could be the defining breakout chapter of her career. Born in Germany and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she has already built an impressive résumé that spans major studio franchises, acclaimed independent films and prestige television. This summer, she takes centre stage as one of the leads in Sterling Point, the highly anticipated coming-of-age series from writer-director Megan Park, produced by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage. The eight-episode series arrives on Prime Video on 5th August and is poised to introduce Amélie to an even wider audience. She was most recently seen in Eddington alongside an all-star cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pedro Pascal, following standout roles in Night Swim and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. With a string of high-profile projects and a breakout leading role on the horizon, Amélie is entering an exciting new chapter in her career.

Sterling Point feels like a major milestone in your career. What was your first reaction when you read the script and learned you would be one of the leads? 

I feel so grateful to be a part of Sterling Point. Getting to play alongside such an honest cast is a gift. I think my first reaction when Megan FaceTimed to tell me was a loss for words, and then a scream probably. 

How would you describe the series to someone who hasn’t heard anything about it yet? 

I would tell them Sterling Point is about an inherited island, secret sisters, and the excitement of young adult love and loss. 

What was it about your character that immediately drew you in? 

Ramona’s complex sadness pulled me in quickly. You meet her at such a devastating transitional time in her life. That, as a starting point, was interesting to me. 

Megan Park has a unique ability to tell emotionally honest coming-of-age stories. What was it like collaborating with her? 

She really does. I recently rewatched My Old Ass and was reminded of that. It all feels real and honest. I felt so held having her as my director in this. Getting to come to set and be met with a hug and a chat with a friend, who also happens to be your director, is kind of the dream. 

The show brings together an impressive producing team, including Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Did you feel the scale and ambition of the project from the beginning? 

I grew up experiencing what an iconic impact their past projects have had, both in Germany and in the States, so the four of them together in the same sentence with Sterling Point is still so cool to me. It feels like such a privilege to have their vision and support. 

Young adult stories have evolved significantly over the years. What do you think makes Sterling Point resonate with today’s audience? 

I feel majorly unequipped to speak on behalf of today’s audience, said, or written, with a laugh. I do hope everyone who watches it, no matter their age, can resonate with an aspect of the story. 

You were born in Germany and raised in Atlanta. How have those experiences shaped who you are, both personally and creatively? 

It’s given me so much, probably more than I’m aware of right now. Growing up between two countries and cultures has exposed me to different perspectives on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, what it means to live a fulfilling life, and art in general, although I think all three of those bleed into one another. 

You recently worked with Ari Aster on Eddington. What did you learn from being part of a project with such an acclaimed filmmaker and ensemble cast? 

I am so grateful for that experience. Working with Ari Aster and everyone else on that was such a pinch-me moment. I felt like a sponge, soaking up as much as possible. 

Sharing the screen with actors like Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal must have been an incredible experience. Which moments from that set left a lasting impression? 

I hold so many moments from that time close to my heart. There’s something strangely bonding about standing below the same blaring sun, dripping with sweat under surgical masks. 

As your profile continues to grow, how do you stay grounded amid the industry’s expectations and attention? 

I think I am still in the mindset of rejecting any notion of “expectation” or “attention,” although that might be naïve of me. I know I could wake up in a year and be working at a coffee shop again, but my core pursuit of artistic expression would remain. 

What kinds of stories or characters are you most eager to explore next? 

I’ve realised I am really drawn to how a seemingly simple human experience can be complex. Something as rudimentary as a trip to the grocery store can be emotionally harrowing. I think I’m interested in that, the complexity of what it means to be human. 

With such an exciting lineup of projects behind and ahead of you, what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter of your career? 

I tend to fear the unknown, but I read an excerpt from Sally Mann recently where she writes, “the life you lead is your art,” and “the art you make is your life,” and that has affected me. 

TEAM CREDITS:

photography EMILY SOTO
hair BLAKE ERIK
makeup SHAYNA GOLDBERG
styling VICTOR CORDERO