Ana de Armas Reflects on Friendship and Career at Red Sea Film Festival
At the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, actress Ana de Armas captivated audiences with an “In Conversation” session, offering a glimpse into her remarkable journey from a childhood in Cuba to becoming a global Hollywood star. De Armas discussed her career, her evolution into an action star, and, notably, her enduring friendship with actor Keanu Reeves, a bond that began over a decade ago and continues to shape her experiences in the film industry.
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A Decade-Long Friendship Forged in Hollywood
De Armas fondly recalled her initial encounter with Keanu Reeves shortly after moving to Los Angeles. Their collaboration on Eli Roth’s thriller, Knock Knock, marked her first U.S. role and a significant challenge, as she was still learning English at the time. Despite the language barrier, a strong connection formed between the two actors. “When I first moved to L.A., we did Knock Knock together, and at that time I barely spoke English,” she explained. “It was kind of a frustrating journey not being able to fully communicate, but we still had a great time. We bonded really well, and we have a beautiful friendship.”
She described Reeves as “incredibly kind and generous,” emphasizing his role in making her feel welcome during her early days in Hollywood. This initial support proved invaluable as de Armas navigated the unfamiliar landscape of the American film industry. The reunion with Reeves in Ballerina, the John Wick spinoff, held particular significance. “It felt full circle. Keanu and Chad [Stahelski] have built such a beautiful world with those films, and having him there, supporting me ten years later, meant a lot.” This collaboration highlighted the enduring nature of their friendship and the mutual respect they share as actors.
From Cuba to Global Action Star: An Unplanned Trajectory
De Armas also addressed her unexpected transition into action roles, a path she never initially envisioned for herself. “I never thought of myself as athletic or imagined I’d do action movies,” she admitted. Her foray into the action genre began with No Time to Die, followed by roles in The Gray Man and Ghosted. These experiences culminated in Ballerina, which she described as “another level — very challenging, very demanding.” However, she embraced the challenge, finding the character exciting to play and enjoying the expansion of the John Wick universe.
The preparation for Ballerina demanded rigorous physical training. “The training was brutal,” de Armas stated. “It went on for months before shooting and continued during filming. There’s no time to rehearse everything, so you’re learning and adapting on the spot. It was exhausting — but I enjoyed it. I learned so much.” This dedication to her craft underscores her commitment to delivering compelling performances, regardless of the physical demands involved. Her willingness to embrace new challenges has solidified her status as a versatile and dynamic actress.
Early Dreams and Bold Moves: Shaping a Career
De Armas reminisced about her childhood in Cuba, where her passion for acting first ignited. She described a “very happy childhood — very free and very social,” filled with performances for her neighbors and even a stint in a Spice Girls tribute group. “I always knew I wanted to be an actress. There was no Plan B,” she declared. While still a student at theater school in Havana, she landed her first screen role, a decision that required her to take a year off from her studies. “Students weren’t supposed to work, but I auditioned and got the part,” she explained. “I had to take a year off school, and it was hard to leave my friends, but being on set taught me more than being in class.”
At the age of 18, fueled by ambition and a desire for greater opportunities, de Armas made the courageous decision to move to Madrid, Spain. “I had saved some money from the movies I had done in Cuba — I think it was 300 euros,” she recalled. “At that time, in Cuba, 300 euros was a lot of money, so I thought that was going to be sufficient. And then I arrived in Spain and realized it wasn’t going to last long at all.” After a period of uncertainty, she secured a role in a popular Spanish TV series, catapulting her to fame. However, she eventually felt limited by the types of roles she was offered, prompting her to seek new horizons in Los Angeles. This move, with “three suitcases and my dog,” marked a significant turning point in her career, forcing her to learn English and re-establish herself in a new industry.
A Breakthrough and Beyond: Blade Runner 2049
De Armas considers her role in Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 as a pivotal moment in her career. “Working with Denis, Ryan [Gosling], Harrison Ford and cinematographer Roger Deakins was incredible,” she said. “Denis is one of my favorite directors, very thoughtful, very sensitive. The way he communicates, the way he sits down and works through every scene with his actors, makes the process so special. I felt like a kid on set again.” This experience not only provided her with the opportunity to work alongside esteemed talent but also solidified her confidence and further fueled her passion for acting. Following Blade Runner 2049, her appearance in No Time to Die proved transformative. “Those fifteen minutes on screen changed my life,” she said, highlighting the impact of even a brief but memorable role.
Conclusion
Ana de Armas’s journey, as shared during her “In Conversation” session at the Red Sea International Film Festival, is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the power of human connection. From her early dreams in Cuba to her current status as a sought-after actress, her story is one of bold choices, unwavering dedication, and the enduring importance of friendships forged along the way. Her reflections on her relationship with Keanu Reeves and her unexpected evolution into an action star offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of a career in Hollywood, inspiring aspiring actors and fans alike.
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