In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with New York-based actress Alexandra Rosario to talk about acting and the release of her latest film California Dreams…
Have you always wanted to be an actress? How did acting come about for you?
Yes, I always wanted to be an actress, since I was 6 years old. I have no idea where that desire came from, I just always had an internal certainty of acting being my calling in life. And that has never changed!
What and who inspired you to become an actress?
When I was growing up I used to watch a lot of movies. At times I would get deeply touched by an actor’s great performance and it would stay with me for a while. I used to dream that one day I would be able to do the same. Some of the actors that have inspired me are Meryl Streep, Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh.
I notice, aside from acting, you have trained to be a lawyer. Do you ever apply one to the other?
I do see reflections of my law background in my life, from time to time. It happens spontaneously. In acting, it has served me to understand characters that are more intellectual and analytical, and I interpret them more truthfully. I haven’t needed to apply acting into law, but I think it’s funny that I have met one too many lawyers who have turned into actors. I guess they are connected in someway.
Your most recent movie, ‘California Dreams’ has just been released on all digital platforms. Can you tell us a bit about that movie, where you filmed and your character?
California Dreams is a film that follows the story of four women who try to achieve success in Hollywood despite the setbacks of life. The movie was filmed in Los Angeles. My character, Valentina, vulnerable at heart but with a hard exterior, is an actress devoted to making it in Hollywood, even when all the odds seem to be stacked against her. I admire her for her unwavering faith.
Can you explain some of the highs and lows on set?
We had mostly highs, everyone on set was friendly, talented and professional. It was the ideal atmosphere for any actor to work in. The only lows I can think of, happened when we were filming the intense emotional scenes, in which the characters were facing very difficult situations, because of the involvement everyone had in the story, it felt so real, you could feel the energy drop.
The movie has quite a diverse all-female cast. What was it like working on set with some of the other actors? Did everyone get along?
I loved the diversity of the cast. It was like working in a sisterhood, everyone got along and was happy to be there. Making California Dreams was one of the best experiences I have had so far.
Do you have a particular genre of film you prefer? If so can you explain.
In general, I am mostly drawn to TV sitcoms. I love this genre and get so excited every time I am able to work on, or even watch this type of TV show. To me the best way of using my talents is to uplift others, bringing joy and laughter into their lives through my acting. In films, I am drawn to romantic comedies and uplifting dramas.
Are there any actors or directors you would love to work with in the future? Any actors you’d like to play alongside?
Yes, there are so many! I would love to play alongside Meryl Streep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Penelope Cruz. As for directors, David O. Russell and Clint Eastwood are at the top of my bucket list!
Do you get to go to the cinema much? Any films you have enjoyed lately?
Yes, I love going to the movies. Last week I watched Hidden Figures, which also has an all-female cast. The performances were sensational and the story was captivating. I also recently watched La La Land and Fences. All of them are great movies, and very Oscar-winning worthy.
Aside from acting is there anything else you enjoy to do?
I love reading, working out, spending quality time with my loved ones and traveling. I also enjoy volunteering my time and talents to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community. I volunteer a lot actually, I find it very fulfilling to help others less fortunate than myself.
What is up next for you? Are you working on anything new?
I am lucky to be always working on something – which is so wonderful. We are filming the second season of Chicos de Alquiler in March, which I’m super excited about. I am also scheduled to work on another film this summer, and also an upcoming comedy web-series that chronicles the lives of the Dominican Republic culture in New York City. Busy, busy. busy!
Finally, any advice you would give any actor, or aspiring filmmaker, who is trying to break into the entertainment industry?
For me, to be an actor means you need to be focused, persistent, do the work to the best of your ability and keep a positive attitude at all times. Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams, because anything is possible for he who believes.
Our thanks to Alexandra for taking the time to do this interview, as well as Liz Rodriguez from EMR Media for helping us with the interview. Catch Alexandra in California Dreams currently out on all digital platforms including; iTunes, Amazon and VUDU.
