By Federico Grandesso
Together Magazine sat down with international actress Milla Jovovich at the Busan Film Center to talk about her powerful new action thriller, Protector, directed by Adrian Grünberg.
The film premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in September 2025, marking one of the festival’s most emotional screenings. Protector follows a former U.S. Special Forces operative who must rescue her kidnapped daughter from human traffickers, a mission that tests both her strength and humanity.
A Deeply Personal Role
Milla Jovovich:
“The last time I came to Korea was for Resident Evil 6 in Seoul, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. My husband and I walked around the city people were so kind that one restaurant even offered us a meal for free after recognising us!
Protector was such a demanding film that I’ve needed time to recover, but I hope to come back soon. It’s my first time in Busan, and being part of the opening ceremony with such talented actors is an honour.
This film is close to our hearts. Adrian and I talked backstage about how meaningful the interviews here were, the Korean press asked such deep, reflective questions. In America, interviews often repeat the same themes, but here, I felt they had truly watched and understood the film. It made our conversations real and refreshing.”
Emotion Meets Action
Together Magazine:
The film’s action feels more emotional and raw than usual. How did you find that balance, especially working in a Korean-American co-production?
Milla Jovovich:
“When I first read the script, it felt poetic, beautifully written but challenging to adapt for a global audience. Adrian, the writers, and I worked hard to reach its emotional core: a mother desperately trying to save her daughter.
As a mother of three daughters, including one the same age as my on-screen daughter (played by the amazing Isabel Myers), this story hit home. We wanted it to resonate across cultures, to connect with every parent.
We tackled a dark subject, human trafficking, with honesty and empathy. Filming was tough: six-day weeks, mostly night shoots, over 22 days. I lost several pounds from the physical and emotional intensity. At 49, it’s one of the hardest, most emotional films I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding.”
The Mother and the Soldier
Together Magazine:
Was it more difficult to portray the mother or the soldier?
Milla Jovovich:
“We wanted to show that there’s a war happening at home, one that’s just as real and violent as any overseas conflict. I’ve played many soldiers, and I’ve had friends in the military who’ve helped me build authentic performances.
But being a mother in this story felt even more powerful, it’s about strength through vulnerability. When your child is taken, you’d do anything to get them back. I told Adrian, ‘If I couldn’t do it myself, I didn’t want to shoot it.’
We filmed in Las Cruces, New Mexico, ironically, the kidnapping capital of America, which added a chilling sense of realism.”
A Story That Demands Reflection
Together Magazine:
You’ve mentioned reading about real-life abduction cases. Did any inspire you? And could there be a sequel?
Milla Jovovich:
“Cartel violence and human trafficking are huge issues in America, yet rarely portrayed honestly. I read so many horrifying cases, women kidnapped and held for years.
Protector isn’t about money; it’s about truth. We wanted to make a film that’s thrilling but meaningful, something that sparks conversation about justice and resilience.
What premiered in Busan is just the first cut, we’ll shoot a few more scenes before locking the final version. The film is evolving, just like the women it represents: strong, flawed, and fiercely protective.”
Protector (2025)
Directed by: Adrian Grünberg
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Isabel Myers
Genre: Action Thriller
World Premiere: Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2025)
