VERA GEMMA FOR TARINA TARANTINO
After seeing a screening of the incredible film, VERA, we met the star; Italian actress and Venice Film Festival Winner Vera Gemma. Our instant connection inspired us to create the following Magazine style story and moviettes with her while she was visiting L.A.
TARINA TARANTINO: You flew to LA to cook for Quentin Tarantino. How did that happen?
VERA GEMMA: I was living in Rome when I read an interview in an Italian newspaper with Quentin Tarantino, where he talked about how, without actors like Franco Nero and Giuliano Gemma, my father, Hollywood wouldn’t be the same. So, I sent a message to Eli Roth, the director, whom I knew, and asked him to please tell his friend Quentin that I would love to cook an Italian dinner for him. After a month, I received an email with a dinner date that said, "Quentin can't wait to meet you, he awaits you at his house to cook for him." I decided I would make my specialty, Carbonara, so I bought the best pancetta and put it in my luggage. I didn’t even know that you couldn’t put meat in your luggage, so I guess I broke the law for Quentin Tarantino. I had the most incredible experience cooking with him and talking all night. He even played two of my father's movies in his private theater. From that moment on, I understood that anything is possible in this life.
TARINA TARANTINO: You then went back home, packed your bags, and moved to Los Angeles for a while. What were your first impressions?
VERA GEMMA: When I arrived in Los Angeles, my first impression was of a crazy city (crazy in a good way) full of freedom, where people could express themselves. Everyone seemed to be searching for a dream, and of course, the weather was incredible. I fell in love with Los Angeles immediately; I wanted to live there for the rest of my life.
TARINA TARANTINO: Were you pursuing acting?
VERA GEMMA: I wasn't really thinking about being an actress at that time. I just wanted to LIVE life, and not be one of the millions of people that wanted to be popular or famous. I think it's important to follow the adventures in life and live life in the moment, and that's how you will find success.
TARINA TARANTINO: What wild adventures did you embark on?
VERA GEMMA: I tried everything. I even became a stripper at the famous Body Shop on Sunset Blvd. I went there with some friends and fell in love with the whole thing. I asked about how to become a stripper, and they told me I could audition on the spot. Even though I didn’t have experience with the pole, I had been a dancer for many years, and they chose me. I started working immediately, making $1,000 a night. I was so happy, feeling so independent and finding my way in the city. I loved the power I had when I was on that stage. One day, Quentin Tarantino came in, and I had just cooked for him a few months earlier, so I panicked and hid in the bathroom for an hour. I felt ashamed and didn’t want him to see me. The manager came looking for me and asked why I was hiding, so I told him that I was the daughter of a very popular actor in Italy, and that I knew Quentin. He looked at me and said, "You know Quentin Tarantino and you work here? Come on, go to Hollywood, bitch!" How’s that for wild adventures?
TARINA TARANTINO: You are the daughter of Giuliano Gemma, one of Italy's cinematic icons. What was your childhood like?
VERA GEMMA: I grew up on Western sets like Almería, Spain, or wherever my father was making a movie at the time. I always confused cinema with real life because of this, and I still do. I have a tendency to constantly make the movie of my life. I'm a dreamer; I believe more in dreams than in reality.
TARINA TARANTINO: Speaking of dreams vs reality, you recently won the Venice Film Festival Horizon award for best female performance for the film Vera.
VERA GEMMA: Yes, our movie Vera was getting a lot of buzz, and the festival organizers asked me to attend the awards ceremony, but to be honest, I really didn't think I would win. Maybe the movie, but not me. So, when they called my name, I just couldn't believe it. It was so surreal! It was a very special night. I felt like the universe chose to be generous with me. Everything felt like "why not me?"
TARINA TARANTINO: How did you meet Tarina Tarantino?
VERA GEMMA: I met Tarina Tarantino in Los Angeles at screenwriter Kiwi Smith’s home, who was hosting an after-party celebration for my movie Vera. I immediately fell in love with Tarina—her attitude was so real and friendly, and I adored her wonderful hair color and her jewels too. She asked me if I wanted to shoot for her, and I didn't hesitate and said YES! We had the best time shooting all over LA.
TARINA TARANTINO: What do you like about Tarina Tarantino Jewelry?
VERA GEMMA: It's very sexy, but at the same time, there's this nostalgic feeling of your childhood, which I think is the most beautiful side of everyone. When you wear her jewelry, you feel sexy but playful at the same time. She made me a custom belt that says "VERA," which is fantastic, and I've been wearing it every day! I was honored to do this shoot with her.
TARINA TARANTINO: Tell us about the cowboy hats and signature V pose.
VERA GEMMA: This is funny because I did it one time, and then everyone started doing it, so I thought, "Okay, this could be something that belongs to me, like my signature," and I went with it, and it just stuck. The cowboy hats are because my father would always give me Stetson hats and tell me that I looked beautiful in cowboy hats, so I just started wearing them everywhere I went—film festivals or important events. I wore one to the Venice Film Festival, and I won. They’re a connection to my father, and they bring me good luck!
