Interviews
Ariana Ron Pedrique – AYAR
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) Please tell us the premise for the film AYAR.
A) Set in present-day Los Angeles, Ayar, a first-generation American Latina, returns from an unsuccessful showbiz career in Las Vegas to reunite with her five-year-old daughter, Jasmine (Calliah Sophie Estrada). But when Ayar’s mother, Renata (Vilma Vega), refuses to let her see her own daughter on her birthday due to COVID, Ayar begins to confront the bad decisions she’s made over the years – feeling as if she’s been playing roles throughout her life, as an immigrant, a dreamer, an entertainer and a mother. Alone, Ayar faces an internal crisis and must confront her past to realize what really matters to her now.
Q) How did you and director Floyd Russ and Vilma Vega come to team up to pen this project?
A) After a series of auditions, Floyd invited both Vilma and me to be on the film, not only as actors but as co-writers. He offered us the opportunity to work together and write the story in a collaborative process. At that moment I knew he wanted to make something authentic and honest. The creatively open and safe atmosphere Floyd established allowed us to share personal experiences and ideas. AYAR is primarily based on Vilma’s life story, along with stories from my own as well. The opportunity to work in that environment together was a true gift, and I am incredibly grateful to have had that experience.
Q) Familial separation was very rough for a long time at the start of the pandemic. What is it about this type of trauma/pain that inspired the film?
A) As you know, the pandemic forced us to stay away from our loved ones and yet allowed us to look inward, to mend mistakes, to recalculate our journeys and to move forward. I know Floyd wanted the film to reflect these themes. Ayar goes through her own path toward a rediscovery of her true self, while at the same time realizing what’s genuinely important for her.
Q) How involved were you when it came to the casting of the movie?
A) Honestly, not much. Once I was chosen to play the role of Ayar, and Vilma was cast as Renata, we were part of the callbacks for the roles of Robert and my dad on the film, played brilliantly by Simon Haycock and Pedro Pano, respectively. Floyd was interested in our insights, but he was the one who decided in the end.
Q) What did you find particularly challenging about portraying Ayar in the film?
A) Playing Ayar was terrifying and exciting at the same time because I had to be outside of my comfort zone most of the time. I had to sing while I played the piano –– which was crucial for the character, but keep in mind I had never done this before in my life! So, I had two weeks to learn how to play. This was also my first role in the US, so I needed to be proficient with my English throughout the film, something I admit was intimidating at first. Plus, the film was shot in the middle of the pandemic. So, when it comes to challenges, yes! It had a few. However, this is exactly what excited me the most about this role. Ever since I became an actor, the whole reason why I moved to LA in the first place; was because I wanted to play a fully dimensional character like Ayar and be part of a story like this one. This is, without a doubt, a dream come true for me. Ayar made me stronger in so many ways and, most importantly, it showed me the value of dreaming big. That anything is possible!
Q) Talk about the advice or maybe insight Floyd Russ offered during filming that you took to heart while you were shooting.
A) Floyd is one of those special directors who lead by example. I remember I was genuinely amazed by his strength of spirit and determination to make something beautiful, regardless of the challenging circumstances. I won’t forget the heartwarming moment right before shooting the first scene where he made a spontaneous speech and let us all know we were in this together, as a family. He reminds me of a powerful train that won’t stop until he reaches his destination, regardless of the obstacles that he might find in the way. Yet he has this almost child-like attitude towards life that’s so refreshing. He shifted my vision of what can be possible and how valuable it is to believe in yourself.
Q) What were some of your most memorable moments you had from filming AYAR?
A) I will never forget the first audition for the film where they had asked us to share a personal story. It was the first time I felt absolutely vulnerable without a character’s words to protect me. It was impossible not to feel exposed, yet it was so fulfilling. Co-writing AYAR and being part of this collaborative process where we shared our life stories was incredibly rewarding for me. The long hours practicing the piano and feeling as I would never be able to have the song ready by the day that we were shooting it. Then, that thrill I felt after I managed to miraculously play the music and sing the song for the crucial last scene of the film after only two weeks of rehearsal. There was a very long scene at the farmhouse that I’ll never forget either. So many memories. It’s hard to pin it down to just a few. I will never forget any of it.
Q) The film premiered theatrically in late November. What kind of response have you been receiving to the movie?
A) So far, it’s been incredibly positive. I am so grateful for all the great reviews our film has received. And I just found out Ayar is currently 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes!
Q) What do you hope viewers take to heart from watching AYAR?
A) I hope viewers will enjoy seeing immigrants, in this case Latinas, in an authentic story, instead of the same old tropes we’re tired of seeing on the screen. The film explores the many roles that immigrants and dreamers are forced to play, as well as the choices women are forced to make between their dreams and family due to cultural principles that pit those things against one another. I hope the film surprises viewers and ignites a new interest in original stories. I hope it generates feelings in the audience they’ve never felt before. I hope this film creates opportunities, for those who need it the most, to see themselves represented on screen.
Q) What are the other recent projects have you been busy working on?
A) I finished filming a new film in the summer of 2021 that will come out by the end of this year. But unfortunately, I cannot share any more details at the moment. Stay tuned!
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?
A) One of the most rewarding gifts of my career is knowing a character I played connected with someone else on a deeper level – moved them, gave them perspective or even helped them get through a rough moment in their lives. I truly believe stories can be life-changing, but they would disappear inconsequentially without the viewers at the other end, without their interpretation. So, if there’s anything I would love to say to them is: Thank you! You inspire me to try new things, fulfill new dreams and, most importantly, thanks to you I can do what I love the most.
Follow Ariana Ron Pedrique on Social Media:
You must be logged in to post a comment Login