Sarah Hay – Unidentified Objects

By starrymag | June 8, 2023

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) Unidentified Objects is a brilliant masterpiece that has managed to be successfully selected in different film festivals around the world. How were you first introduced to this project?

A) When I received the offer for this project, I was so blown away with the visuals that the creatives sent in their deck. I ended up reaching out to the director over Instagram to try to connect with him as soon as I saw what they were trying to make. It was unlike anything I had ever been offered or frankly, seen before. That’s always really exciting as a creative. Seeing something unlike anything else.

Q) What is that element about Unidentified Objects that led you to accept to be part of this film?

A) When choosing to play a role, I look for dimensions. This character is so multi-faceted, and so unique. I think the main reason that I chose to be a part of this project was because I could tell that I was really going to be able to bring myself to this character. And because the director, Juan Felipe Zuleta, was clearly the kind of person who wanted a collaborator and not just an actor.

Q) At first glance, Winona appears to be a free-spirited soul paving her way in the world but, underneath she seems to be carrying a heavy burden that propels her into this sudden road trip to a better future. When working in the process of building her, what kind of challenges did you find and what was the biggest lesson learned from this process?

A) That is literally what drew me to her. We all have fears, hopes, dreams… She wears hers on her sleeve. I think what I learned from building this character is that we’re all just in search of meaning and purpose in this life. There’s an escape artist in all of us and the capacity for real depth. All of the gray between those two extremes is where she sits and what makes her so interesting to me. She is so risky in some ways, and so fearful in others.

Q) What has been your favorite and the non-so pleasant aspects of embodying Winona J?

A) I think my favorite part of embodying Winona was being able to bring a lighter side to my acting. Most of the goofy, whimsical side of her is closest to my personality. So, letting bits and pieces of myself shine through was really exciting. Because we shot this film during the pandemic, I felt a little bit shaky as an actor when we started. It definitely was tough to get the muscle working again after being in lockdown. So, the beginning was a little intimidating, but having a costar like Matthew [Jeffers] made it much easier, much faster.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the film?

A) I had not met anyone personally, but I had seen several of the actors’ work. Roberta Colindrez definitely sealed the deal for me when I saw her name on the submission email. She’s iconic.

Q) The chemistry and dynamic between you and Matthew August Jeffers are evident and very enjoyable to witness. How was it partnering with him on this one-on-one road trip?

A) Matthew is the nicest person on the planet. I feel like we came into each other’s lives for a reason. We’ve become such good friends throughout this process, and we spend a lot of time off screen together when we can. As far as road trip partners go, couldn’t ask for a better one. Being smooshed in a car that’s hooked up to a rig, with no AC and cameras two inches from your face can be really challenging. But when you’re with someone who is patient and kind and wonderful, somehow the time just flies by. I don’t know if you can tell, but I love Matthew.

Q) The complexity of both characters, Winona and Peter, makes the duo highly appealing and very easy to connect with. What do you consider to be the features that each one has that make them complement each other so well?

A) I think they have a really beautiful balance. Peter, being so grounded and stuck in his life is a really wonderful reflection for someone who is as flighty as Winona. And the same goes for Winona being a reflection for Peter, in the sense that he needs a free spirit in his life to help him get out of the doldrums. For me, that’s truly the recipe for a good relationship. Being able to find a balance.

Q) Along Winona and Peter’s road trip they are met with other very peculiar characters that seem to be dealing with their own universes complexities. How do you think they add up to the duo’s story?

A) I like to look at the other characters as guides. Each interaction helps our duo find a new direction and new meaning on their journey. It feels like everything happens for a reason with the people they meet along the way.

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes or maybe scenes that challenged you the most to film for Unidentified Objects?

A) One of my favorite scenes is between Matthew’s character Peter and a man at a bar played by Hamish Allan Headley. It’s one of those scenes where you’re laughing one second and crying the next. One of my favorite scenes to shoot was when Winona is sitting on top of the car, talking about the universe. It’s the first time in the film that you really get a sense of how hopeful she is.

Q) The uniqueness of the storytelling of these couple of strangers sharing a ride through life while trying to find its place in this world had surely had an impact on those that have seen this film already. What kind of message would you like people to take away with them once this film is out in the open?

A) I hope that people can see that even though these characters are so different, they fall into platonic love. The world is so polarized right now, it’s scary. I think we need to open up to each other’s perspectives again. And know that if people have different opinions from you, it doesn’t mean that they’re bad people. We need to have healthy conversations with each other and go deep. Broaden our consciousness, listen to each other.  These two people, with a set of completely different problems, find a connection through their pain. Had they never been forced into this road trip they never would have learned so much from each other. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Q) In an industry like this one that is constantly changing, what keeps you creatively motivated?

A) Definitely not the industry! [laughs] I constantly ask myself how I fit in to the creative world. And part of my life mission, after being a ballerina for twenty-five years, is taking the time to figure out what I truly want. Not rushing the process. But something that I do know is, and this might sound insane… depending on art to make money is not for me. I have other pieces of my life that are creative and keep myself afloat in an ever-changing industry.

Q) Are there any upcoming projects that you could share with us?

A) I have a bunch of projects that I am producing that hopefully will be in production next year. All depending on whether or not artificial intelligence takes over the industry. [laughs] But really…

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of the work you do?

A) Anyone who appreciates my work means the world to me. It’s a vulnerable thing to put yourself out there and hope that your art makes someone feel something. My deepest gratitude goes out to those of you who support this film. I think its message is clear and I think more people need to hear it. Thank you!

 

 

Unidentified Objects is now available on demand – on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu and Microsoft