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Meet Larissa Hope (filmmaker, actress and neuroscience graduate) and discover her fantasy cultural year.
Some people pick a lane and stay in it. Larissa Hope? She built the road, detoured through a film set, stopped by a neuroscience lab, and somehow still made it home in time for bedtime stories with her daughter, Namiko.
The start of the acting biz
Seventeen and straight into the deep end, Larissa made her TV debut as Jal Fazer in Skins, the show that shaped a generation.
From there, she shared screens with Stephen Fry, Ruth Negga, and Joseph Marcell, appearing in Kingdom, Trollied, and The Town.
A leading role in the cult horror Tormented even saw her facing off against Alex Pettyfer and some seriously vengeful ghosts.
But the biggest plot twist? Larissa stepping away from the limelight, not for lack of talent, but for something far bigger ... herself.
The dive in the mind
A severe mental health crisis pulled her focus inward, setting her on an unexpected but deeply intentional path.
Swapping scripts for textbooks, she earned a BA in Creative Writing and Psychology from Kingston University, graduating with first-class honours.
But one degree wasn’t enough, because why stop when you can unravel the mysteries of the brain?
Larissa pursued an MSc in Neuroscience at King’s College London, diving deep into the neural mechanics of trauma, healing, and resilience. She even secured an equivalent master’s in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation, because, if nothing else, Larissa Hope is thorough.
From award-winning filmmaker to empowering the community
Yet, the creative spark never flickered out. An award-winning filmmaker, Larissa’s short film has racked up accolades across international festivals. Her work, much like her life, orbits around themes of survival, transformation, and the intricate dance between mind and body. She also founded a creative writing therapy group for women, helping them give voice to stories they may have never dared to tell.
Beyond academia and the arts, Larissa is a force for good. She volunteers as a breastfeeding support worker, helping new mothers navigate the tricky science of latching and attachment.
She’s also taken on policy scrutiny for her local council, bridging the gap between tenants and decision-makers. And in a previous life (okay, just a few years back), she was part of the My Guide program, helping visually impaired individuals regain confidence and independence.
These days, between neuroscience research, film projects, and raising Namiko, Larissa somehow finds time to be a sought-after public speaker. She’s regularly invited to panels discussing the intersection of creativity, mental health, and the wonders (and occasional betrayals) of the human brain.
In short: Larissa Hope doesn’t do small. She doesn’t do ordinary. But she does do impact. And she does it with heart, humour, and a knack for making the impossible seem inevitable.
Larissa Hope's fantasy cultural year
Guided by founder of the Arts and Culture Network, Mark Walmsley, Larissa Hope embarked on an imaginative exploration of her passions— science and art.
A Global Study in neuroscience
Mark proposed an ambitious, fictitious foundation-funded journey for Larissa: a worldwide study on exploring neuroscience and the benefits of creative activities through a social documentary.
Larissa aimed to incorporate elements of fantasy and mysticism by tapping into the unconscious mind's role in creativity in her theoretical research trip.
This project would lead to a TED Talk, a book, a TV series, and a university lecture tour. Larissa proposed to start research in Australia. As part of this journey, she accepted an experimental challenge—to immerse herself exclusively in 80s soul.
Cultural Exploration & Time Travel Adventures
Their conversation turned playful as they continued to design Larissa’s "fantasy cultural year," with Mark wielding a magic wand and time machine. She envisioned a beachside loft apartment with a view of the Opera House and the bridge. She would then attend a dance performance at the Opera House, which could be any style she desired. The purpose of this project was to inspire a book that would start with research and gradually transform into a story.
In Australia, Mark and Larissa planned a week of cultural indulgence: a Samba show, a dance with the performers, and a barbecue on the terrace. The next day, they planned to watch a sport event, with larissa expressing interest in swimming. Mark informed her that there was a high dive competition and open water swimming races happening in Sydney, which they could watch from their balcony. They also discussed the possibility of visiting a new, digitally enhanced art gallery in Sydney.
Music recollections
Mark and Larissa reminisced about their favorite concerts and artists. Mark shared his experiences of attending Michael Jackson's Bad Tour and Prince's Love Sexy Tour at Wembley Arena. He expressed regret for missing Bob Marley's 1975 concert, which was recorded as Live at the Rainbow.
Favorite Movies, Musicals, and Future Plans
Larissa and Mark discussed their favorite movies, musicals, and plays. larissa expressed her love for "Kinky Boots" and "Carmen," while Mark suggested "Forrest Gump" as a comfort film. They also planned a future outing, with Mark booking a table at a restaurant overlooking the bay in Sydney for a leisurely lunch. larissa decided to invite her friend Lily, an actress, to the event. However, Mark added a twist by asking who she would invite as a surprise for Lily.
Through this imaginative exercise, Larissa’s fantasy cultural year emerged as a deeply personal, intellectually stimulating, and adventure-filled journey—bridging neuroscience, the arts, and human consciousness.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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