Elyas M'Barek on Home, Happiness, and New Film Projects

In an interview with Sleek Magazine, German actor Elyas M'Barek discusses his return to Munich after living in New York City, his philosophy on happiness, and his upcoming projects. M'Barek, known for films like 'Das perfekte Geheimnis', reflects on the lessons learned from starting over in America, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and the American dream, inspired by Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Sky's The Limit'. He shares that while he loved New York, he realized home cannot be replaced, finding comfort in Munich's pretzels, the River Isar, and the local way of life. M'Barek discusses his evolving understanding of happiness, moving away from external validation toward inner contentment, freedom, and acceptance. He also addresses the balance between public life and privacy, noting the harsher public discourse in Germany compared to the US. Last year, he produced his first documentary, 'Babo – Die Haftbefehl-Story', about the rapper Haftbefehl, and co-founded a production company with his friend Pacco-Luca Nitsche. They are developing new documentary and fictional projects. His upcoming film, 'Der perfekte Urlaub', a sequel to 'Das perfekte Geheimnis', is set to release in cinemas on 22 October 2026. Filmed in Mallorca, it is a travel comedy. M'Barek also expresses his fascination with Japan, particularly Tokyo, praising its culture, aesthetics, and attention to detail. The interview is accompanied by fashion credits and photography by Magnus Lecher.