Rachel Kylian, a dynamic actress, writer, and producer with roots in France and Africa, has built a remarkable career in entertainment through her dedication and multicultural background. Fluent in multiple languages and enriched by her cultural heritage, she began her journey in dance and theater before expanding into acting, voice acting and film production. After speaking with her about her upcoming projects, including “The Family Business New Orleans,” “Lipstick,” and “Sunlight,” it’s clear how her commitment to portraying empowering and diverse characters continues to shine. Her passion for storytelling and advocacy for representation has earned her critical acclaim and inspired aspiring actors globally.

At the beginning of our interview, we delved deeply into Rachel’s passion for acting and the thoughtful choices she has made throughout her career. Rachel’s love for the arts began in her childhood. Growing up in France, she was drawn to dancing and theater, exploring various forms of dance including ballet, hip hop, and breakdance. Her early introduction to the world of performance arts laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Rachel vividly recalls her childhood days, saying, “I started dancing and doing theater when I was very young, and I love to be on the stage. Being an actor is the coolest job ever.”

Her multicultural background has significantly influenced her career. Born in France to parents from the Comoros Islands, Rachel embodies a blend of African and European cultures, which she skillfully incorporates into her work. Fluent in four languages, Rachel’s linguistic prowess has opened doors to diverse roles across different media.

Rachel’s move to the United States was a turning point in her career, offering more opportunities than France, where she found roles for Black actors limited. She notes, “In America, I think the movie industry is open to everybody. So, everybody has a shot.” This inclusivity has allowed her to excel across various roles and genres. Rachel’s dedication to her values is evident in her selective choice of roles, ensuring they align with her beliefs and avoid negative stereotypes. “I don’t want to play any role that is degrading to a woman or to my people,” she asserts, underscoring her commitment to empowering and positive narratives for Black people.

As a producer, Rachel is particularly proud of her work on Epiphany and It’s Time. Epiphany, a drama with a Black cast, has made a significant impact on the festival circuit. Meanwhile, It’s Time, which she co-produced and directed by a South African filmmaker, has resonated globally, especially in Japan. Rachel’s dedication to diversity is evident in her project choices, aimed at elevating underrepresented communities, including Black and Latina actors. Her passion for producing stems from a desire to craft meaningful stories that celebrate cultural richness and human resilience, continually inspiring and advancing inclusive narratives in cinema.

After exploring Rachel’s journey and passion for acting and producing, we delved into her latest projects, which highlight her versatility and dedication. She has a series of exciting roles lined up, each showcasing different facets of her talent.

One of her eagerly anticipated ventures is “The Family Business: New Orleans,” a crime drama that marks its first season release this year. Rachel’s persistence paid off when she finally landed a role without even auditioning, thanks to her relentless pursuit and unwavering belief in the show’s potential. “I’ve been harassing my team. I said, ‘Hey, you need to submit me on this show. It’s Black people. I want to be on it. I want to be part of it,’” she recalls.

Her character works in a New Orleans restaurant and finds herself unknowingly entangled in a larger plot. This role is particularly meaningful to Rachel, whose real-life mother is a chef, making this a full-circle moment that reflects her personal upbringing in the hospitality industry. The show promises to be an exciting addition to her repertoire, blending her life experiences with her acting skills.

Next on Rachel’s slate is “Lipstick,” a thrilling action film directed by the talented Kimberly Connor. In this crime thriller, Rachel plays London, a lieutenant, hot on the trail of a serial killer. This project stands out as it allows Rachel to showcase her tactical training, firearms expertise, and martial arts skills, pushing her further into the action genre she has been eager to explore. When asked why she wanted to be part of Lipstick, Rachel responded, “I’m a writer and have produced two films myself, so I love being involved in projects with beautifully written scripts. When I read this one, I was already in love with it. I thought, ‘Oh, this is a beautiful story. This is great.’”

The film has already garnered attention, being selected for prestigious festivals such as The Roxbury International Film Festival, The AAWIC Film Festival, the Las Vegas Premier Film Festival and the Orlando Urban Film Festival.

Lastly, Rachel is set to star in “Sunlight,” a comedy that diverges from her usual roles. Directed by British humorist Nina Conti, this film is a delightful romp centered around a radio station boss, played by Rachel, who is constantly exasperated by her employee, Roy. The film promises a unique blend of humor and heart, with Rachel’s character managing the chaos of a newsroom and an unusual love story. Rachel described the uniqueness of her role in Sunlight by saying, “This is a very interesting role because it was different. It was completely different from Lipstick and The Family Business. I love being a boss, and it’s my first time working on a British film.”

The world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival is highly anticipated, and Rachel hopes it will open doors for her in the UK, furthering her goal of becoming a global actress.

With these diverse projects on the horizon, Rachel continues to break barriers and set new standards in the film industry. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her multicultural background, ensures that each role she takes on is infused with authenticity and depth. Whether it’s through intense crime dramas, thrilling action films, or light-hearted comedies, Rachel’s upcoming works are set to captivate audiences and solidify her place as a versatile and compelling actress.