Deja Monique Cruz – Christmas With You

By starrymag | December 11, 2022

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) In the new Netflix movie Christmas With You you play Cristina, a pop fan who gets recognized by her idol Angelina (Aimee Garcia). What made you want to portray Cristina in the film?  

A) When I read the script, I was immediately captivated by Cristina. I was excited to make her optimism and charm radiate on screen.

 

Q) What was the most exciting part of being in a holiday film?

A) It felt like Christmas every day and we were living in our own little family snow globe.

 

Q) In the film you have a magical scene where you share your voice through song in an Instagram that gets recognized by a celebrity. Talk about the process to prepare for your performance.

A) I am classically trained; however, there’s always room for improvement so I decided to have a vocal lesson. Shoutout to Apollo Mighty!!

 

Q) Your character opens up in the movie by sharing a personal story that touches Angelina’s heart. We’d love to know about working with costar Aimee Garcia.

A) Aimee’s positive vibe really made it easy for our characters to connect. Her light and energy truly brought this film together.

 

Q) What was favorite moment when working with director Gabriela Tagliavini?

A) My favorite moment with Gabby was the quinceañera scene. I was given multiple directions and she recognized that I had gotten a little scattered and immediately came up to me and re-centered me. What she told me is so profound that it will stay with me forever!

 

Q) What was your experience like not only walking but dancing in a puffy quinceañera dress?

A) More people than me were walking on my dress. Trying to dance in the dress felt as though I had a hula hoop on my hip, and I had to sway back and forth to avoid all obstacles in my path. Don’t even get me started about trying to get through a door!

 

Q) What do you hope people really take away from this movie?

A) Hopefully everyone will add this to their Christmas classic movie list to watch every year!

 

Q) Christmas With You blends traditions with holiday celebrations. What has been your favorite memory of tradition or celebration?

A) Our family Christmas tradition is to go to this holiday decorated plaza and ride the carousel together every year and it’s the BEST! Afterwards, we head over to our favorite restaurant for some AMAZING Italian food.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I have a great adventure film called The Quest for Tom Sawyer’s Gold dropping very soon! I also have a family friendly Disney+ show called “The Crossover” coming in 2023! I can’t wait to introduce you to my homegirls, Lu and Maya!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the films/series you act in?

A) I believe that support is the pillar of success and without all of you this journey wouldn’t be possible. All of your love and continuous support does not go unnoticed. I feel truly blessed to have you all in my life and THANK YOU!!!