Let It Rain : Interview with Mimouna Hadji


How did you meet Agnès Jaoui?
I was working for some people who rented their country house to her. In LET’S TALK ABOUT THE RAIN, Mimouna’s cubbyhole is inspired by the one where I lived in that house. I had a lot of personal problems and that brought Agnès and I very close together. We’ve known each other ten years now. She’s become more than just a friend. I can confide in her easily – she’s like a daughter to me. She’s been helping me with my divorce.

You aren’t a professional actress. How did you end up getting involved in LET’S TALK ABOUT THE RAIN?
One day, she asked me if she could use my story. I said yes and then she asked me if I would play myself. I didn’t know if I’d be able to do it but she told me to come and try. I spent two weeks at Agnès’ place, I met Jamel, and we did a casting and rehearsed to see if we clicked. And we did. I’d seen Jamel on TV – my grandson buys his DVDs. He talks like my son in the film.

What was the shoot like?
Because I don’t know how to read, Agnès recorded my part on a cassette. Every day, I’d listen to it on my Walkman to memorize it. And as soon as I had a scene to play, I’d hide in my little cubbyhole with my headphones on to rehearse. Every thing came naturally to me with Agnès. I didn’t feel at all intimidated – it was like being with family. I’m used to spending holidays with Agnès so it wasn’t very different. Everyone took great care of me – I was the film’s mascot! I wasn’t acting every day but I stayed for the whole shoot, sitting on my little stool watching what was going on. I didn’t miss a single day and I never stayed at the hotel. It was the first time I’d ever seen anything like that in my life and I never thought a film needed so much work. But the team also organized parties and meals, and we had a good laugh together. The atmosphere was magnificent and I was a little sad when it came to an end.

How did you feel when you saw the movie?
It was a little tough, watching myself on screen. But Agnès was there with Jean-Pierre. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE RAIN is a very fine film. And it introduced me to people I’ve stayed in touch with. They have become like my children and they love me like a mother.

Did this experience make you want to be in other movies?
No. I accepted this role because Agnès was behind the camera. If it had been anyone else, I wouldn’t be able to do it.