RAISSA XAVIER TALKS LOVE ON THE AMAZON
"For me, acting is about connecting"
Daniel John
How early was the theater part of your life?
I was introduced to theater at school when I was twelve, but it was only five years later that I realized I couldn't live without it. I joined a volunteer group, which I'm still a member today, that brings art into the hospitals of my city, called “Plantão da Felicidade”, Happiness On-call, and it was there that I realized my mission in the world. I wanted to move people through my art, whether through laughter or tears.
Why do you think it’s something you’re so passionate about?
I love the connection. For me, acting is about connecting with others, whether with the cast, director, production team, all the way to the audience, who, even without knowing you personally are moved by the power of your acting. That connection is the most precious thing to me. I'm excited about it. If my art doesn't connect, it loses its meaning.
Speaking of love, Hallmark romance is a very special kind and you've now starred in two of their films as your first international roles. You were even the first actor to be cast in this one! What is it you find in them that appeals to you?
Oh my god! I was the first one cast? I didn't know that, how wonderful! For me it's an honor to be able to do Hallmark movies. Besides being a respected channel with a very loyal audience, I truly identify with their romantic comedies. Hallmark makes me keep believing in love. And, in the times we are living in the world, only love can save us.
Hallmark films are always warm but this one do also exist at the polar opposite in terms of weather, compared to the last one. Bringing the love to the Amazon. How did you approach portraying Milly in this environment?
In our patriarchal society, women who take on professions considered pre-dominantly male, unfortunately, need to be tougher in order for their voices to be heard and respected. Milly works on a boat in the middle of the Amazon, where the unexpected can happen at any moment and she needs to be ready, because of this, the character carries not only resilience and loneliness, but also a strong sense of urgency to achieve her goals, and therefore an underlying impatience. I guess I'm defending my character a little. But, beneath the masks, Milly is extremely loving and a dreamer.
The stories from being on location on this set are already plentiful. What was it like shooting on and around the riverboat and the challenges that came with it?
I joked with the production team and our director, Colin Theys, that they only call me for boat movies. The first one we filmed on a luxury cruise ship, and now, on a boat in the middle of the Amazon. I'm becoming an expert, but there are still many challenges. On this film, the daily journey to reach the boat with all the equipment felt like a whole other story. Besides that we had to deal with the unpredictable weather and I believe the hardest part for us actors is the movement on the boat, which often makes us feel unwell. But I think I'm getting used to it, I'm ready to shoot the next Hallmark movie on boat.
The film makes no secret of being inspired by 'The African Queen' from 1951. It even references both the novel and its author directly. It is one of cinema’s great love stories between Charlie and Rose but what on screen love stories are among your own favorites?
It's hard to mention just a few when we have so many incredible productions, but I'll list some Brazilian films that I'm passionate about so you can discover them as well. You've probably heard of Wagner Moura, haven't you? We come from the same city, and he's a benchmark actor for me. There's a film called 'Romance', which tells the story of two actors who fall in love in the theater, I think it's a masterpiece. Besides that, I recommend 'Cidade Baixa' for those who enjoy a more visceral and chaotic romance and 'Lisbela e o Prisioneiro' for the dreamers.
Love comes in many forms, one that often is the hardest one is love of self, how do you practice self-love, not least in your life as an actress?
Wow, that's the hardest question. For those who live in the spotlight, we constantly face pressure and judgment. Many people forget that beyond being actors, we are human beings! To stay strong, we need to keep our self-esteem and self-love in balance. So, in addition to therapy, do not forget your life's purpose. When we are connected to our purpose everything gains a deeper meaning, which increases our confidence to perform our work.
