Actress, filmmaker, and coach Lisa Riesner is passionate about telling meaningful stories that spark conversation and create social impact. In her latest short film, MODER (MOTHER), she takes on the challenging and important subject of postpartum depression, bringing empathy and authenticity to a topic that is often misunderstood and rarely discussed openly.
Beyond acting, Lisa balances a multifaceted career in filmmaking and coaching, helping others pursue their creative ambitions while continuing to expand her own artistic horizons. In this interview, she shares her experience working on MODER, her approach to balancing multiple careers, her aspirations as an actress, and her advice for the next generation of performers.
FM42: Your new short film MODER focuses on postpartum depression—an important but often overlooked topic. What motivated you to take part in a project with such sensitive emotional depth?
Lisa: It was never a question for me to participate in MODER/MOTHER, because mental health and supporting people going through phases of depression is something I deeply stand for. I’ve experienced depressive phases in my own life, and I know how important it is to portray these experiences honestly—especially for women giving birth. Giving birth is a profound hormonal, physical, and mental journey, and there’s a real risk of postpartum depression that mothers have no control over; it’s simply how the body processes hormones.
This is a topic that’s often hidden and surrounded by shame. Many mothers silently suffer from postpartum depression, but society makes it difficult to talk about openly because “a mother should always love her child.” I wanted to bring awareness, empathy, and love for mothers. I hope this film can create an impact not just socially, but even politically, by opening conversations and changing perceptions.
FM42: Short films often rely on intensity and subtlety to tell powerful stories. Which scene or moment in this project was the most challenging for you, emotionally or creatively?
Lisa: The bathtub scene, where my character calls her husband, was both intense and, in a way, funny. The director, Tara, had a very specific vision, so I had to follow a very tight structure to achieve the desired result. From a cinematography perspective, the scene turned out stunning—but getting there was challenging, especially because Danish is not my mother tongue. At the time of filming, I had only been learning Danish for one year, so delivering the lines naturally and with the right accent required multiple takes—six or seven, to be exact. It was intense, but the final result was worth every effort.
FM42: How do you manage your time between acting, filmmaking, and coaching?
Lisa: I’m self-employed, which allows me to structure my time flexibly. I generally split it 50/50 between filmmaking and acting on one side and coaching on the other. Outside of work, I stay grounded through activities that nurture my mind and body—I go to the gym, spend time in nature, travel, and live by the beach. Staying connected to family and nature is essential for maintaining balance in this profession.
FM42: Do you have a favorite role or project that holds a special place in your heart?
Lisa: Every project I’ve worked on is special to me, but I think my favorite role is actually the one I haven’t played yet. I’m incredibly excited about the future and the roles I’ll have the opportunity to explore. I’m currently learning Swedish, French, and Spanish while continuing to improve my Danish so I can authentically embody characters across languages. The anticipation of these future projects fills me with joy and motivation.
FM42: What are your long-term goals as an actress? Are there specific genres, directors, or types of roles you hope to explore in the future?
Lisa: I want to play deep, transformative characters—women who are leaders, heroic, and impactful. I admire women who face immense struggles but still stand up every day, even when life isn’t easy. I’d love roles that challenge me physically and emotionally, whether portraying a Prime Minister, a superhero like Catwoman, or any character who can inspire and influence the world. While I love costumes and makeup, I’m especially drawn to roles that give a voice to powerful women and tell meaningful stories.
FM42: For young actors, what advice would you give them about navigating the film industry?
Lisa: Never give up. Combine passion for your craft with a disciplined approach—treat acting as both a career and a business. Networking is essential, but true networking means honoring people as people—colleagues, collaborators, spouses, and parents—who share the same love for filmmaking. Remember, we’re all part of the same creative journey, and respecting that connection is key to long-term success.
Here’s a polished, professional, and engaging way to present that announcement to your audience:
Our short film MODER was Oscar-qualifying during the 2025/26 submission season!
Even though it didn’t receive a final nomination, being selected from thousands of films—with only 200 making it to the submission stage and being viewed by Academy members—is a huge honor.
Now, you can watch and support the film! Simply click all the stars under the video on the left. Every vote helps us reach more people and continue the conversation about postpartum depression.
Please feel free to share this link with your audience and help us spread awareness. Your support means the world!
Cover photo: Iveta Rysava
https://www.ekkofilm.dk/shortlist/film/moder/
Instagram: @moder_film
