As a seasoned gamer with a deep appreciation for both movies and gaming, I must say that I am truly captivated by the journey of Paz Vega, the Spanish actress-turned-director. Her passion for storytelling and her courage to step behind the camera in her directorial debut, “Rita,” is nothing short of inspiring.
Paz Vega, a Spanish actress known for movies like “Spanglish,” “Sex and Lucia,” “Rambo: Last Blood,” “The OA,” and the Netflix series “Kaleidoscope,” recently made her directorial debut with the film “Rita.” This project premiered during this year’s Locarno Film Festival. Besides acting, Paz enjoys writing and directing, expanding her creative pursuits. She also believes that more actors should take up directing as well.
In a Tuesday keynote conversation at the Iberseries & Platino Industria conference and fair in Madrid, titled “Changing Roles: Paz Vega and her shift from acting to directing,” she expressed her thoughts. Previously, during an interview with THR, she named Billy Wilder, Francis Ford Coppola, and Federico Fellini as her role models.
As a passionate admirer, let me share that Vega not only penned, helmed, and oversaw the production of Rita, but also graced the screen with her presence in a minor role. Reflecting on the moment she first stepped onto a film set, she shared with Iberseries on Tuesday, “I felt the spark ignite within me to become a director.” Now, she confidently declares, “I’m prepared because I have a story that needs to be told.
When queried about juggling the duties of an actress and director, Vega considered her character as Rita’s mother to be a “minor” part. In contrast, she noted that “the children appear in every scene.” She acknowledged that having her name on the cast list would prove “extremely handy” when marketing the film.
1984, in sunny Seville. The story revolves around siblings Rita and Lolo, aged seven and five respectively, who reside within a modest working-class household. Rita harbors dreams of visiting the beach, but at home, her father’s authority is unquestionable. This summer, for the first time, Rita begins to ponder the reasons behind this strict control. She also starts to perceive that their home, once a sanctuary, has been gradually transforming into an unsafe environment, particularly for their mother.
Previously, Vega praised her young star Sofía Allepuz, who plays Rita, in an interview with THR. On Tuesday, Vega spoke highly of her abilities, likening the now-eight-year-old to a sports car. “Sofía has a natural talent,” said Vega. “It’s because she’s a girl who listens and is present that makes her special. She trusts you.” Luckily, I’ve been able to work with her. Working with Sofía is like working with a Ferrari; it’s incredible.
Switching between the dual roles of director and actor proved quite challenging for her on set. She found herself seldom able to separate her director responsibilities from her acting duties since she had to work with her character in 22 out of the total 28 shooting days, according to Vega.
She expressed her concern that it might be overly challenging for her in upcoming ventures, suggesting she may not participate again. She explained to Iberseries that she’d rather not act and direct simultaneously because she finds it too taxing. Furthermore, she believes this arrangement could hinder her progress.
In situations where time for filming is restricted, particularly when working with children, Vega often finds herself planning out scenes at home in advance to ensure she’s well-prepared for whatever the following day on set may hold.
On Tuesday, Vega motivated her fellow actors to consider stepping behind the director’s chair, saying, “There’s no reason to fear an actor who wants to direct.” She emphasized that actors have valuable insights to share in this role and that their perspective can lead to strong acting performances. She also shared that she finds directing other actors rewarding and believes that experienced actors make great directors because they understand the demands of the job. “Spending so much time on a set develops adaptability, which is an essential skill for any director,” Vega explained, adding that her experience as an actor gives her a unique advantage when it comes to directing.
During her interview on Iberseries by Televisa journalist Omar Reys, the star shared some behind-the-scenes perspectives about her acting career. She admitted to often questioning directors’ decisions and sometimes discussing ideas with them or even having internal debates as an actress. In conclusion, she expressed that she has always had a director’s instinct within herself.
Earlier, she shared with THR that she’s working on a movie script based in the Dominican Republic. “The story is deeply rooted in Dominican culture,” Vega explained, adding that she won’t be portraying any of the characters.
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2024-10-01 13:24