Have you heard of Deba Hekmat? You might recognise her as a face of Instagram-favourite fashion brand Peachy Den, or from her GQ takeovers – mic in hand – interviewing stars such as Rachel Chinouriri, Headie One and Charli XCX.
Her latest project, however, marks a shift from social media to the big screen. She takes on the lead role in Sasha Nathwani’s Last Swim, which premieres in UK cinemas on 4th April. The poignant coming-of-age story follows 23-year-old British-Persian Ziba (played by Deba) on A-level results day as she secures two A-stars and a place to study astrophysics – all while battling a life-threatening illness that has kept her isolated throughout the summer.
Set across London, Last Swim features scenic shots of Ziba and her friends swimming in the beautiful Hampstead Heath ponds, smoking on its banks then Lime-biking through the city. Much like her character, Deba is a London girl through and through – raised in South London, she holds a deep appreciation for the city that shaped her.
To celebrate her homecoming role, we spent the morning wandering through Hampstead with the rising star – starting at the wonderful Burgh House, passing through Daunt Books and ending on the Heath – while talking through her Culture List.
From the breakup that left the UK reeling (yes, that Love Island split), to the public space in London that feels like “a big concrete hug”, in our video, Deba reflects on her appreciation for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and its take on love – as well as the Camberwell restaurant that feels like her second home. These are the moments and movements in culture that make her tick...
