Interview with Ema Stokholma: Living Rage Behind

When you meet Ema Stokholma, you meet all her “personalities:” a girl who started as a model and, following her passion for music, became a famous DJ, a radio host and TV presenter of music programs, a painter who looks at the world through the “frame” of Instagram and a real, happy and patient woman (the latter trait is a recent discovery, according to her).

And you also meet Morwenn Moguerou, a 5-year-old girl who lives with a mother who, instead of giving her love and protection, gives her violence and hate. Morwenn was Ema, and Ema is once again Morwenn in her first book “Per il Mio Bene,” an individual testimony that screams to the world the terrible truth behind tragic stories like hers, and so many other children. Ema tells us, both through the pages of her book and in our interview, that going beyond rage is possible, that finding your way is possible.

And above all, that happy ending is possible for everyone.

Radio speaker, painter, TV host, writer… how do you manage to handle all these roles and how do they influence each other?

I try and carve out a lot of free time to paint and write, especially to help myself fall asleep. If I don’t get enough sleep I can’t do any of such things.

How was the journey of the writing of your book?

In my case, the writing was a very spontaneous process, a bit messy as well, I’d say, because I wrote in one go, with no technique and with no plan. In fact, the editing of the chapters was a very long process and I did it with the help of my editor.

What made you decide to talk about yourself in such an honest way?

I felt the need to write my own story because I realized that very little is known about these kinds of realities, even though there are many episodes of violence against children, even very young ones. I wanted to explain what’s behind those kinds of things, in order to go beyond the rage that you feel when you read some tragic news in the newspaper.

“In my case, the writing was a very spontaneous process, a bit messy as well, I’d say, because I wrote in one go, with no technique and with no plan.”

“I felt the need to write my own story because I realized that very little is known about these kinds of realities, even though there are many episodes of violence against children, even very young ones.”

What’s a song that would define this moment of your life?

“Brandt Rhapsodie” by Benjamin Biolay, which talks about two people who read the notes they leave for each other on the table, and this way we enter into their intimacy. It’s really beautiful, but it’s also sad (I change song every month, by the way).

What’s a song to define Ema, instead?

“Wonderful Life” by Black.

What’s the last song that made you emotional?

“Sentimi” by Madame, produced by Crookers.

What’s the first painting that made you fall in love?

There’s a lot, but “Crucifixion” by Dalì made me cry.

What’s the painting that you still haven’t found the courage to paint?

I don’t have the courage to paint nudes or erotic paintings, but I would love to.

Why do you portray yourself with no tattoos?

It’s a secret.

How important has it been to go to therapy?

Therapy saved me from sadness, so I’d say that it was fundamental to be true and happy. I’m really good now, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

What’s the last thing you found out about yourself?

I found that I’m patient, I never would have guessed it.

Have you ever had an epic fail on the job?

I’ve certainly made a fool of myself a lot of times, but luckily I just had one epic fail in my private life.

“Therapy saved me from sadness, so I’d say that it was fundamental to be true and happy.”

In such a frantic and hyper-connected world like ours, how much do you think is important to be present in the moment? Is it hard or is it something you often do?

I think we actually are present in the moment, but our world has changed, so it looks like the opposite to us. I try not to make a big deal out of anything and not to be a “dictator” with myself. If I feel like using social media, I use them, if I feel like looking at the stars, I do that, but I don’t despise anything.