Ana Golja – The Cuban

By starrymag | August 25, 2020

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) What did you find challenging about portraying the character Mina Ayoub?

 

A) The thing I found most challenging about playing Mina was making sure I identified an arc and accurately represented it. She was a very complex character, so I wanted to really find the levels within her and make sure she wasn’t one dimensional.

 

Q) What was the process like for you playing dual roles as actor and producer on this project?

 

A) It was certainly a lot more complex than I anticipated. It was a tough balancing act for both Sergio [Navarretta] and I as producers and creators. We would be debriefed on the day ahead in the early morning, then switch to our creative roles for a while, be debriefed at lunch, back to creative and then debriefed at the end of the day. It was complicated but definitely worth it. We managed to find a system that worked for the both of us.

 

Q) We know Mina through this film really wants more than in the field of medicine, she wants to be a singer, why do you think that is so important to her?

 

A) I think this is important to Mina because it is a connection to her grandparents and is a connection to her home country and passion. We clearly see that Mina has a passion for music and as she finds her voice and sense of self through the film, we really see her come into her own, including her passions.

 

Q) One of the things that’s special in this film is how Mina interacts with Luis Garcia (Louis Gossett Jr,) a patient in the nursing home, how would you describe their relationship?

 

A) Their relationship is very special and unique. They each have a takeaway — for Mina, she realizes the fact that she should chase her dreams and passions…for Luis, it’s living out his last dream of performing one last time. So, it’s a beautiful dynamic that is very different but not forced in any way either.

 

Q) There are some cool things that happen as the film goes along as we explore a story of love, friendship, and music through Mina, and Luis’ interactions. Why do you think music really connects Mina and Luis to know one-another so well?

 

A) Music is tied to distinct memories for both Luis and Mina. Music is the ground they find in common despite their vastly different backgrounds…and is the strongest connector for the both of them. It really knows no limits or boundaries — truly is universal. And that’s why they end up connecting, through their mutual passion for music.

 

Q) One of the things Luis struggles with is Alzheimer’s, Luis is stuck in his head and it’s hard for him to escape that, Mina really helps him with this. What is it about Mina do you think, that makes her different from all the other people working in the nursing home to a sense she can help him with his Alzheimer’s?

 

A) The thing that makes her different is that she genuinely cares for Luis and wants him to come back to life in a sense. So, she does whatever she can to bring him back, even if that means risking her job.

Q) What shifts do you see your character Mina make throughout this film as it develops?

 

A) You really see Mina come to life and go through her journey. Besides the journey that she and Luis go on, Mina has her own journey where she truly discovers who she is, what she wants and what she stands for. She really finds her voice and you see her incorporate more color into her make-up and wardrobe (among other things). It really is a beautiful progression.

 

Q) When you play Mina what do you feel you bring to this character that makes her even more special?

 

A) I feel that I bring a real authenticity to Mina. I think that it’s easy to stereotype a character like her, but I brought a lot of myself to her; very honest, earnest and a total do-gooder. She was a very genuine character.

 

Q) Talk about working with iconic actor Louis Gossett, Jr.

 

A) He’s the ultimate legend and icon. It really felt as though I wasn’t even working and that each day was an acting lesson when I worked with him. “An honor” can’t even begin to describe the experience.

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) I had many favorites…one was the club scene where Lou and I perform. It was such an honest and beautiful moment between the both of us. My other favorite was the scene where I walk into the water as Elena — it was not written but such a meaningful scene.

 

Q) Acting on the set were there any directorial notes that Sergio Navarretta gave you that stood out? 

 

A) One thing he consistently told me was to be in the moment and honest. He kept insisting that I channel all of my experiences into the moments we had on set, in the scenes.

 

Q) What do you think makes this film something everyone should see?

 

A) I think given the time in the world The Cuban is a very appropriate film. Our elders are leaving us at a rate that is higher than ever, so we really have to be aware and appreciate the fact that we have them in our lives. The film really shines a light on the things that truly matter.