Paula Velasquez

Sweet and sour Venezuela-born actress spills the tea on her latest movie projects and how Mexico City gave her the foundations of what she was really good and passionate about, acting. In an exclusive interview, Film News sat down with Hollywood’s newest starlet to talk about the movie ‘Wrong for Right’ with Omar Gooding.

Can you introduce yourself for our readers please?

I am Paula Velasquez, an actress and filmmaker. I was born in Venezuela but when I was 7 my family moved to Mexico City.

What have been the highlights of your acting career for you so far?

Definitely my first feature film this year “This is Water”, but also the character “Johanna” was so challenging and it pushed me a lot to get out of my comfort zone and be as vulnerable as possible. It helped me to connect with a part of myself that I had never connected before and made me realize a lot of things. Helped me grow so much as an actor, but also as a person.

Also, working with Eric Roberts was a pleasure and seeing someone on set who has been in the industry for a long time inspired me so much as an artist.

You recently joined the all-star cast in the movie, ‘Wrong for Right.’ Can you tell us about the movie?

Yes, so the movie follows an unsuspecting duo who are recruited into a secret vigilante police unit after a number of criminals walk free due to an overworked and filled to capacity judicial system. Seeking to take matters into their own hands the vigilante police force bands together to take down some of the worst offenders. However, all criminals are not built the same and some will not go down - no matter the cost. The movie is an action-drama directed by Marvin Williams.

Can you tell us about your character?

Sonya Reyes, she is a rebellious but caring teenager. She is trying to find herself in the world, understand her family and her own person. She feels lost and is navigating her loneliness through some distractions.

It looks incredible. Did you find the role challenging? How did you prepare?

I Find every role challenging in the best way possible. They always help me discover new things about myself and people which is so fascinating to me. I do a lot of journaling when it comes to roles, I discover so many great things about the character when I am writing, and it helps to explore more in depth with them.

What was it like to film with the director Marvin Williams?

He is an amazing person to work with. He communicates very well to his actors and lets us bring as many ideas to the table as possible, he is very talented.

Where did you film and what was the set like?

We filmed in different spots, but I mainly filmed in a very big, fancy house which is supposed to be my parents house. The set was amazing, they did an amazing job with production design and helped so much to get in the scene and present. It was an amazing experience.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Never let anyone tell you what you are capable of achieving or not, believe in yourself and your talent. You can do anything you set your mind to.

What’s up next for you?

I am currently working on a psychological thriller that I am writing, and it excites me so much. Working on some other projects, short films and eventually I want to start my own podcast!

Thank you, Paula, for taking the time to chat with us. Stay up to date with Paula on Instagram as @pauvelaasquez and also on IMDb.