Emily Watson on Leaving Religious Cult to Star in 'Breaking the Waves'

Key Points:

• Emily Watson, an acclaimed actor with multiple award nominations and wins, revealed she grew up in a strict religious cult called the School of Philosophy and Economic Science, which nearly derailed her career before it began.
• Speaking at the Sarajevo Film Festival, Watson described how acting saved her life and how her breakout role in "Breaking the Waves" paralleled her own upbringing in a repressive religious environment.
• Watson recounted being warned by her religious group not to take the role in "Breaking the Waves," which led to a painful but liberating break from the cult and a newfound personal freedom.
• She has become more open about her past over time, crediting increased societal understanding of childhood trauma, and reflected on the challenges of award campaigns and industry gender disparities.
• Watson emphasized the power of storytelling, especially for marginalized communities, and expressed support for greater female director representation and creative opportunities for actors from war-torn regions.