ASTA PAREDES TALKS BLACKOUT

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

’Blackout' is part of Larry Fessenden's own monsterverse, where the mythology and tropes of classic monster movies blend with our contemporary time. What was it about the opportunity to step into this film universe that interested you?

From the moment I first saw 'Habit', I knew I had to find a way to work with Larry. After finding my way into the indie scene, getting to know him for years and being lucky to call him a mentor and friend, it was quite an honor to be invited to take part in his company of players. Being asked to be part of stark imagery was an unexpected thrill, Larry gave me the unique opportunity to subvert and transmute B-movie trope expectations into an entirely different style. One I hope to do more of. Here we have storytelling with heart, soul, and a helping of truth-seeking. 'Blackout' was this contemplative moon cycle of a film for which I felt very much aligned to join. Filming in upstate New York was an escape. The on set experience was one of enriching conversation, collaboration and just good old fashioned indie fun. I feel very fortunate to have been part of this.

When did acting come into your life ?

I think I always loved to perform. Especially now I’ve seen so many home videos when I was a little one showing this joy in sharing my light and energy with others. Life got in the way for a spell but I think I fell in love with it the first time it became more than an escape, when I no longer used it to try on something else or to garner attention or validation. There was also always this permission I needed to give myself to enjoy acting and let go.

Any particular role that unlocked that love?

For me it was Katerina. My junior year of conservatory I played a role that felt equally connected with myself and with audiences. It was electric to say the least and in that moment this immense love set in I knew what I had was magical and I wanted to use it for good, to unlock hearts and minds.

You've maybe become best known for horror?

Indeed, I love horror and hope to do more and more of it. I like stark truths. I like thrills. I like imaginative allegory. I am also at this stage in my life where I am quite comfortable exploring the depths of my own humanity and my mortality. So horror is this place where the palette feels very expansive. It is unlimited by polite society. It feels. It is visceral.

How do you deal with fear from the perspective of putting yourself out there and living the life of an actress, whether that is becoming vulnerable for character work or auditioning. Is there anything you have learnt to do throughout the years to still be able to maintain and keep up the love and passion that you have for it all?

I actually struggled with this for years, the discomfort with perception or feeling like I live in a fishbowl. In the end, I’ve found that very vulnerability came from avoiding the journey of loving myself the way I love my characters. Exploring who I am, why I am, and appreciating that has been vital. Fortifying my relationship with myself has enriched my relationship with my dreams time and time again. Know and love thyself, it’s the root of how we can push past judgement on ourselves and others.

Have you or are you working on any more projects?

Absolutely. Always working on multiple avenues, and sometimes I have to keep things close to the chest. Creative endeavors are always seeds first and those need dark soil and watering before you can share the blooms with others. I can say there are thrills on the horizon. 

You have some things in the works as a producer as well. What made you want to produce on your own. Can it be a way to develop things you're not finding in casting?

When you wait for others to tell you who you are, you are doomed to fit yourself into spaces you'll grow out of. In my case I began to resent opportunities that seemed to play on traps, vanities, and even revealed some backward industry thinking. By producing my own work I want to find ways to create opportunities that built towards magic and pave a way for others like me too.

What roles are you hungry for, what are the roles you'd be happy to look at the moon and transform into?

I’m hungry for roles as complex as I am. Messy roles. I would love to channel my investigative side. I am also always trying to find ways to work with people I admire. If I gravitate towards them I think there is something to be learned there. Almodóvar, Villeneuve, Lynch, Cronenberg. I love surrealism and magical realism with every fiber of my being. I would be happy to see where my collaborators see me fit in their stories, and I am of course building tales for myself at the same time.