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10 THINGS – Langston Uibel

10 Things about Langston Uibel

You’re a British-German-Jamaican actor who was born in London, and then moved to Berlin with your family at a young age. When did you develop your love for the arts and how did you initially get your start as an actor?

My father owns a Jazz Bar in east London, where he has created a very special space, in which he entertains his customers as a DJ or comedian. Therefore, from a young age, I learned what it takes to entertain and excite people. Shortly after moving to Berlin, a family friend introduced me to a young director called Alexander Frank. One thing led to another, and I shot my first film called “The String Puppet” in 2008.

What was your support system like when you decided to embark on this path?

My whole family has always supported me whenever they can. Which is funny, because my teachers really did everything to prevent me from shooting during my school time. Subsequently, I’m even more grateful that my family made sure that I could choose my own path.

Which actors body of work impressed you and made a positive impact on your life as you started your own career?

There are loads of actors that I admire like Idris Elba, Daniel Kaluuya and others. But, it’s mostly the films as a whole that inspire me. Most recently, ‘Queen and Slim’ directed by Melina Matsoukas and ‘Selma’ directed by Ava DuVernay.

You’ve done a fair amount of television and film projects. Which platform appeals to you most and which type of characters are you typically drawn to?

Generally speaking, I always prefer to work on projects that shed some light on how people are mistreated in our world. Even if it sounds generic, I deeply believe that film has a duty to educate. And, for the characters: Definitely the ones that I have the least in common with.

Currently, you’re on the Netflix series, Unorthodox. How were you first introduced to the show and what was it about the script that made you excited to be a part of it?

I met one of the producers, Anna Winger, at the Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin. Shortly after that, I was invited to an audition. The whole concept, team and script appealed to me straight away. It is such a unique story. On top of that, it is one of the few projects that really depict a diverse and realistic society. Especially for me as a black actor in Germany, it was a breath of fresh air. I’m honored to be a part of it.

On the show you play the role of Axmed. What can you tell us about his personality and what you enjoy most about bringing his character to life?

Axmed is a student at a music academy in Berlin. He is from Nigeria. He is definitely very loud and witty. The most exciting part was learning how to fake-play the cello.

For those who haven’t already tuned in, what can we expect to see from Axmed and the rest of the cast on Unorthodox?

You can expect a very specific story that touches universal topics. A young woman breaks out of her orthodox community in Brooklyn and moves to Berlin. She gets to know a new group of friends in Berlin, that basically represents everything she didn’t get to know in New York. That also includes gay people. (laughs)

If you weren’t working as an actor, what other career path could you see yourself taking on?

I probably would go into politics. That being said, it might still happen.