top, briefs + shoes. Prada
tights. Calzedonia
opposite
top, briefs + shoes. Prada
tights. Calzedonia
Renata Notni; an actress whose name resonates with elegance and talent, has been at the forefront of a new era in entertainment. She has now embarked on a journey of portraying the iconic character of Lolita Marquez in the modern adaptation of Zorro. In this portrayal, she astutely observes the infusion of modernity and freshness into the canvas of the narrative. She imbues Lolita with strength, and independence and offers a compelling depiction of a woman grappling with love, agency and tradition.
Her perspective goes beyond just Zorro, delving into the cultural significance of contemporary storytelling. As a Latin actress, she recognises her role in amplifying diverse voices that reflect the multifaceted nature of women’s experiences. Her experiences at global film festivals reflect upon the nuances of representing Mexican cinema and culture on a global platform. In the 15 years that she has been in the industry, Renata acknowledges the progress made in creating opportunities for diverse storytelling. She hopes to leave behind a legacy that is an amalgam of diversity, authenticity and empathy.
In conversation with Schön!, she offers a glimpse into the transformative power of storytelling and the ongoing quest for inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
top + bottoms. Nili Lotan
shoes. Maison Margiela
opposite
dress. Dorathee Shumacher
shoes. Prada
tights. Commando
Considering the evolving portrayal of iconic characters in Zorro, how do you perceive the thematic and narrative shifts in this modern adaptation compared to previous renditions?
There are many versions of Zorro, but this one is very modern and full of new, young, fresh characters—full of action, and adventures. One thing I love about this version is that every single female role is super powerful and inspiring in different ways, That is something that we haven’t seen in other versions.
There’s also a great emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, offering fresh perspectives while honouring the character’s iconic legacy.
Reflecting on your portrayal of Lolita Marquez in Zorro, how do you navigate the complexities of portraying strong female characters while also exploring themes of love, agency, and societal expectations within historical contexts?
I aim to depict Lolita as a multifaceted individual who grapples with tradition and modernity, duty, and personal fulfilment. Despite the constraints of her patriarchal society, I love her strength and independence, offering a nuanced representation of a woman navigating challenges and moments of empowerment.
vest, top, bottoms + gloves. Frankie Shop
shoes. Gianvito Rossi
belt. B-low The Belt
opposite
top + bottoms. Stella McCartney
Expanding beyond your role in Zorro, how do you view the broader cultural significance of empowering female characters in contemporary storytelling, particularly in the context of your career trajectory?
In my career, It is crucial. As a Latin actress, portraying such characters amplifies diverse voices including my own, empowering audiences to embrace their aspirations. Women deserve to be represented and want to be represented the way we feel, the way we are. Powerful, smart, inspiring.
In light of your experience at the global film festivals, could you delve deeper into the nuances of representing Mexican cinema and culture on such a global platform, especially in contrast to Hollywood’s historical standards?
To me, it’s a very empowering and magical moment to be there, celebrating the country’s diversity, and artistic expressions while confronting stereotypes from all over the world. It’s about asserting Mexico’s presence on the global stage. As a Mexican actress, participating in such festivals allows me to contribute to this dialogue and bridge cultural divides.
top + bottoms. Nili Lotan
shoes. Maison Margiela
Reflecting on your role as Loreal Paris ambassador at Cannes, how do you navigate the intersection between personal brand representation and broader cultural representation, particularly within the beauty industry’s evolving landscape?
By prioritizing authenticity and inclusivity. I advocate for diversity in beauty standards, celebrate individuality, and amplify underrepresented voices. My goal is to contribute to a more inclusive beauty landscape where everyone can feel represented and empowered to express themselves.
Drawing from your extensive career spanning over 15 years, how do you perceive the evolution of your craft and the industry at large, particularly in terms of opportunities for Latinx actors and diverse storytelling?
I’ve seen significant progress in opportunities for Latin actors and diverse storytelling in the industry. Roles have evolved from stereotypes to more nuanced portrayals, and I think that we all can see the growing demand for authentic representation. Even though there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure full representation and support.
dress. Dorathee Shumacher
opposite
sweater. Nili Lotan
shoes. Prada
tights. Calzedonia
Building on your experiences portraying diverse characters, how do you approach the process of character development and representation, especially in terms of challenging stereotypes and fostering authentic cultural narratives?
Every time I’m creating a new character, I prioritize a lot of research, collaboration, and empathy. I love humanizing characters and portraying their complexities authentically.
Drawing from your experiences in theatre, television, and film, how do you perceive the unique artistic and narrative opportunities offered by different mediums, and how do you approach transitioning between them as an actress?
That’s something that I love about my career. You get to explore the three of them, and each one gives you a very different experience and perspective. Theatre is very magical and provides immediate audience engagement, while television allows for long-form storytelling and nuanced performances. And I feel that film enables visual storytelling and precise control over narrative impact. I like and enjoy doing each one in different ways.
sweater. Nili Lotan
shoes. Prada
tights. Calzedonia
opposite
vest, top, bottoms + gloves. Frankie Shop
shoes. Gianvito Rossi
belt. B-low The Belt
Expanding beyond your on-screen presence, how do you engage with your audience and fans, and what role do you believe social media and digital platforms play in fostering authentic connections and dialogue within the entertainment industry?
I love sharing behind-the-scenes content and sometimes also personal things. What I like about social media is that it allows authentic connections and dialogue by breaking down barriers between artists and audiences. I keep it very real and natural by being myself. I enjoy that connection with people.
Reflecting on your early training at the Televisa Center for Artistic Education, how do you view the importance of formal education and mentorship in nurturing emerging talent within the entertainment industry, especially for aspiring actors from underrepresented communities?
I think that formal education and mentorship give you essential skills and industry knowledge that are very important and useful in your career. I also feel that you always need guidance and support from professionals in your industry. This empowers aspiring actors to overcome barriers and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work, and what message do you hope to impart to future generations of artists and storytellers?
Through my work, I hope to leave behind a legacy of authenticity, diversity, and empathy. I’d love to inspire and encourage future generations of artists and storytellers to embrace their unique voices, celebrate diversity, and use storytelling as a tool for positive change.
top + bottoms. Frankie Shop
belt. B-low The Belt
opposite
top + bottoms. Stella McCartney
photography. Jonathan Schoonover
fashion. Zoe Gofman
talent. Renata Notni
hair. Fernando Torrent @ L’atelier NYC using R+Co
make up. Soo Park @ The Wall Group using Charlotte Tilbury
production. Clara La Rosa
fashion assistant. Caroline Devo
location. Studio28
interview. Ishika Paruthi
