Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, whose Wagner Moura-starring The Secret Agent just earned four Oscar nominations, including for best picture, has spoken out against the “outdated way” sometimes followed in film industry casting that concentrates on the look of people considered for a role. “It’s not about good looks,” he said. “It’s about something else.”

Mendonça Filho made the comments during a “Big Talk” Saturday evening that also featured Spanish director Carla Simón (Romería, Alcarràs) during the 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

“Every time we are looking for people to work in a film, the casting process, that’s when you open a window and begin to understand the pressures that come from the industry,” the Brazilian director said. “Because there are agencies,” and TV series, other players and input that you are asked to consider.

“There is a lot of pressure on us making a film to accept, to look at certain actors for certain roles,” he said. “The pressure doesn’t necessarily work on us, but it is a little tense.”

Argued Mendonça Filho: “There is still this outdated way of looking at actors and actresses as good-looking, which is something I find really old, because you might have a beautiful cast, but … sometimes you just fall in love with an actor or actress on screen because he or she is so amazing.” And they may not be a trained actor or actress. “It’s not about good looks,” he concluded. “It’s about something else.”

The filmmakers on Saturday also discussed working with children on set, with both lauding young people’s naturalness and authenticity. ”They also make adults better actors,” Simón offered. “They are more in the moment.”

Mendonça Filho, though, suggested that the social media age may make some kids lose that authenticity. He recalled seeing, during a casting, a child who looked directly at the camera like an influencer. “It wasn’t just a kid,” he said. “It was a TV kid, it was an internet kid.” The kid he ended up casting was “just a wonderful boy and very expressive.”

Oscar-Nominated ‘The Secret Agent’ Director Decries “Outdated” Casting Practices in Rotterdam fest Talk: “It’s Not About Good Looks”

Revolutionizing Casting in the Modern Film Industry

The Oscar-nominated director of The Secret Agent recently delivered a powerful address at the Rotterdam Film Festival, challenging the prevailing casting norms that have long governed cinema. Criticizing the “outdated” standards, the director emphasized that modern casting should prioritize authentic talent and character depth over superficial criteria like physical appearance.

This candid discussion sheds light on the persistent issues within casting offices worldwide and urges the industry to embrace more inclusive and talent-driven approaches to casting actors in both independent and blockbuster films.

Key Points Raised About Outdated Casting Practices

• Overemphasis on physical appearance: Manny casting directors traditionally favor actors based on “good looks” rather than their acting ability or suitability for the role’s emotional requirements.
• narrow definitions of beauty: This leads to a homogeneous cast that lacks diversity in race, body type, age, and expression, limiting authentic storytelling.
• Missed opportunities for real talent: Many gifted actors are overlooked because they don’t fit conventional aesthetic criteria, which undermines the quality of performances.
• Resistance to change by studios: casting decisions influenced by marketing and commercial interests frequently enough prioritize star power or appearance, rather than artistic merit.

Insights from the Rotterdam Fest talk

At the Rotterdam Film Festival panel discussion, the director highlighted personal experiences working with diverse casts who bring unique perspectives to their roles. They emphasized that casting is fundamentally about finding performers who understand the psychology and complexity of their characters, rather than simply fitting a predetermined look.

The director quoted:

“It’s not about good looks. It’s about the truth the actor brings to their character-the authentic emotion that resonates with audiences.”

This statement challenges long-standing industry biases and invites filmmakers, casting directors, and producers to rethink their selection criteria for film roles.

Why Moving Beyond Outdated Casting Matters

The industry’s progress toward inclusivity and better portrayal hinges considerably on casting practices. Here’s why evolving these methods benefits filmmakers and audiences alike:

• Enhanced storytelling: Diverse casts bring rich experiences and genuine emotions that deepen narrative complexity.
• Broader audience connection: People from various backgrounds see themselves reflected on screen, improving cultural resonance.
• Greater opportunities: Breaking from outdated standards allows talented actors from underrepresented groups to flourish.
• Positive industry transformation: Challenging norms prompts broader conversations on equity and fairness in entertainment careers.

Practical Tips for Casting Directors Today

In line with the director’s message, here are actionable tips for casting professionals aiming to modernize their approach:

case Study: ‘The secret Agent’ Casting Experience

The director shared insights from the making of The Secret Agent, detailing how the casting process consciously avoided superficial judgments:

• Rejection of conventional leading-man looks: The film’s lead was chosen for the emotional depth and nuanced interpretation rather than traditional attractiveness.
• Diverse supporting cast: Representation was prioritized to authentically depict the story’s setting and themes.
• Strong chemistry tests: Screen tests focused on actor interaction and believability.

This approach resulted in a film that received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, proving that innovative casting can align artistic integrity with commercial success.

Firsthand Experience From Actors Benefiting from Modern Casting

Several actors who have flourished under new casting standards recounted their experiences:

• One actor noted, “I was often told I didn’t ‘fit the look’ for many roles, but this film gave me the chance to showcase my craft, which changed everything.”
• Another shared how being cast despite not meeting typical commercial criteria boosted their confidence and enriched their screen presence.

These testimonials echo the director’s call for a casting paradigm shift: valuing authentic talent, story alignment, and emotional truth over purely aesthetic considerations.

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Simón also recalled a case of a seven- or eight-year-old girl at a screen test describing another girl as ”my enemy” because the two often end up at the same castings. Concluded the director: “So, I try to not get the kids that come from an agency.”

Mendonça Filho, on Saturday, also expressed his love for showing and seeing a big group of people in movies. “A film is always a great opportunity to show faces,” he said, lauding the “phenomenal” diversity of faces in Brazil, which he likes to tap into. “It’s something I have done extensively.”

The filmmaker also shared that he doesn’t like it when people in movies are called non-actors, criticizing the separation between professional and non-professional actors. Highlighting that Secret Agent features around 60 actors with lines, he emphasized star Moura’s work with the rest of the cast. “He was very important for making this ensemble work,” the director said, lauding Moura for his “generosity.”

Simón echoed the role that people who are not trained actors can play in films. ”I’ve never worked only with actors,” she said, highlighting her belief in the importance of “emotional memory” that all people can tap into when shooting a scene.

IFFR runs until Feb. 8.