Edy Ganem – Created Equal

By starrymag | February 16, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I am currently cooking a baby in my oven so that is the biggest project! Family is the most important thing for me ,but at the same time I love my work so I’m definitely looking forward to going back to work pretty soon.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Created Equal and about your character Alejandra Batista.

 

A) The film is about the journey of a woman (Allie Batista) who wishes to become a priest and, with the help of an attorney, sues the Catholic Church for sex discrimination.

 

Q) With such a topical storyline about gender equality, was that what made you want to be a part of the film?

 

A) It was several things, but that was the first thing that really jumped at me because I grew up Catholic and I realized I had never questioned it myself. I felt embarrassed that I never asked myself why are women not allowed to be priests. It really got me thinking and I liked that; I liked the fact that I read the script and I was still thinking about it. Also, Allie’s drive and determination were just so inspirational and finally I really thought it would be great to get to work with Bill Duke.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to Alejandra that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) I just kept her really contemporary in her character, even if her clothes made her look otherwise. I wanted her to be a real person that believed in her faith above all, but was not just one-dimensional so we get to see several sides of her (as with any other human being) like her sense of humor, her love, her fear, etc.

 

Q) What was it like working alongside iconic actor Lou Diamond Phillips?

 

A) I actually didn’t know he was going to play the Monsignor until later so it was a great surprise! Working with Lou was really fun because he’s got a great sense of humor. So, that was really fun between takes, but mainly it was a great learning experience. Lou’s really humble and has great respect for his work and he would just transform into his character and that made things feel very real. And, of course, as an actor that is what we all dream of. I was able to just be there with him and really be Allie Batista.

 

Q) Was there a piece of advice director Bill Duke gave you that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) There was one scene where I wasn’t sure really if Allie should cry or not and I just cried because that’s what came naturally. But then I did one take where I controlled my emotions a little bit more and Bill came and talked to me and went over all the things Allie had gone through in her life and basically said that when I let my true emotions come out it was really beautiful. So, then I knew he was telling me to not pull back and so I followed that advice and just let Allie feel her true emotions. That is why she’s so strong, but so real and vulnerable at the same time.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

 

A) Bill giving me a “pound” every time he loved a take and Aaron [Tveit] singing between takes. Having my baby visit me on the set because he came with me to New Orleans and being able to walk to Bourbon Street and sightsee, eat beignets and charbroiled oysters…There’s a lot of memorable moments! I guess the moments around the work made it all very special because everyone was so nice there and because there was so much to do.

 

Q) What do you hope Created Equal viewers take away from seeing the film?

 

A) I’d like for people to see the bigger picture. This film might be about Allie’s dream to become a priest in the Catholic church, but in reality it is a conversation piece for equality, inclusion, discrimination, etc. These issues are part of our real lives and I think the film is very timely with everything that is going on right now. If we can keep the conversation going then we are moving in the right direction. And the good thing is that we are starting to see some change, but there is still a lot more to be done. I’d like for women and little girls to be more proactive, well-informed and passionate about their rights and about their dreams.

 

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure our readers know about the movie?

 

A) I’d like for everyone to know that the film shows both sides of the issue with respect and doesn’t take a side. A lot of people assume the film makes a villain of the church or that we disrespect the faith and really once you watch the film you get to see it really isn’t like that. Things aren’t just back and white and I think the film does a great job at painting a realistic picture.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to the projects you do?

 

A) It’s definitely a really fun way to interact with the fans…and haters! I never really had “haters” before, but this film has really brought all kinds of opinions and it’s been very interesting to say the least. But I still love it because I was able to instantly hear what people thought and the ones who actually watched the film (and not just assumed and criticized without knowing) really enjoyed it!

 

Q) We loved seeing you in “Devious Maids.” Do you still keep in touch with any of your castmates?

 

A) Thank you! And, yes, we totally keep in touch. We all have very busy schedules and travel a lot, but I’d say we do a pretty good job at keeping in touch and getting together as often as we can.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I’d like to say: THANK YOU!  People who enjoy and support my work are the sweetest so I always try show them my appreciation by interacting as much as possible via social media. I know they also like to know what is going on in my life so I keep them updated and at the same time I like to be a positive source. So, I share advice and inspirational messages because I believe that hard work and positive attitudes go a long way.