Image courtesy of imbd.com
Urban movies conjure up a variety of different images. In past decades those images reflected inner city violence, rebellious youth, urban decay, and dysfunctional family life. And though those themes of isolation and neglect prevailed, that was not all that urban films were about. There were love stories, hope, inspiration, and redemption.
“A Snowy Day in Oakland” reflects the latter. This magical urban tale about an upscale psychologist who breaks up with her longtime boyfriend and opens a private practice in Oakland, turning the predominantly African American and psychologically ignored neighborhood on its emotional ear.
Claudia Zevallos stars in this urban comedy alongside Loretta Devine, Marla Gibbs, Nicole Ari Parker, Kimberly Elise, Jackee Harry, Evan Ross, Michael Jai White, Keith David, and Deon Cole. “A Snowy Day in Oakland” is produced by Kim Bass. Claudia is a newcomer to the Kim Bass film family.
Fashion Reverie was fortunate to speak with Claudia Zevallos on the day of the premiere of “A Snowy Day in Oakland.” In this interview, experience her energy, her joy, and her passion for her craft.
Image courtesy of imbd.com
Fashion Reverie: How did you get your start as an actress?
Claudia Zevallos: I am originally from Peru and my parents were divorced so I stayed with my grandparents, while my mom worked. I was the only child in my grandparents’ home so I would watch Spanish novellas. Because I was home alone while my grandparents ran their businesses and my mother worked, I developed this incredible fantasy life.
I would sit as close to the television as possible and memorize all the lines of the characters on the television novellas. That’s how I spent my downtime. I fantasized that the main character in the television novellas was me. I made a whole production out of it. I did my makeup, I found clothing that matched the main character, and no one in my family knew I was doing this.
FR: How did you transition from your fantasy performing life to working on Spanish novellas?
Claudia Zevallos: After my grandfather passed away, I followed my aunts who were studying in the US. While in the US, I was working in Century City at the Westville Mall, right outside of Beverly Hills. I was approached by someone to model jewelry. I didn’t take it seriously at first, but eventually I did pursue modeling. From there, I started working as an assistant at Telemundo. While there I worked on my English and started acting on Telemundo.
FR: What was the transition like from Spanish novellas to acting in mainstream films in English?
Claudia Zevallos: Well, one thing is you have to roll back the passion and animated gestures. However, the transition was not that difficult because as an actor you have to be very honest and open, no matter if you are acting in Spanish novellas or in American cinema. As long as you are projecting truth and your English is pretty good, it is not that much of a stretch.
Image courtesy of sandiegouniontribune.com
FR: Talk about your character in “A Snowy Day in Oakland.”
Claudia Zevallos: I am so honored and blessed to be a part of this urban, magical comedy. “A Snowy Day in Oakland” is about love, hope, desires, and dreams. Though this movie has a mostly black and brown cast, it is a film that everyone can relate to.
I play Anjelica, a young Latina women, who is hard-working and passionate. She loves her community and will do anything for her parents. Most importantly, Angelica value the sacrifices her parents made to bring her to the US so she can take advantage of the opportunities in the US.
FR: It sounds as though your character in “A Snowy Day in Oakland” is your story.
Claudia Zevallos: In many ways, it is my story. Kim Bass, the director of this film, made sure that I felt and Hispanic folks felt heard in this film. Me and the other Hispanic actors in the film would sit around and talk about how Kim Bass made us feel important and made our voices important. It was a warm hug, like being enveloped by positivity.
FR: There are some big names in the film, namely Loretta Devine, Nicole Ari Parker, Deon Cole, Michael Jai White, and Kimberly Elise. What was it like working with these actors?
Claudia Zevallos: It was amazing. Loretta Devine is a powerhouse. She is a queen. Kimberly Elise is primed and ready to work. She is so good. Deon Cole is very giving and so funny.
Image courtesy of imbd.com
FR: What do you hope audiences get from this film?
Claudia Zevallos: I know that audiences will feel inspired by “A Snowy Day in Oakland.”
They will leave the movie theatre feeling hopeful, as though they have received a big warm hug. Audiences will also laugh out loud. Remember, this is a magical comedy.
FR: Do you think this time is your time?
Claudia Zevallos: If I don’t sound too egocentric, this time, right now, is my time. When I wake up in the morning, I feel like my grandparents are with me all the time.
I understand now why some things in my life worked out the way that they did. And it is my time!!
FR: What is next for you?
Claudia Zevallos: I am working on a project about three priest and a nun. Of course, I play the name. I can’t say much more about it. The next time that I talk to you, I will be able to tell you how bad ass this nun is!!
William S. Gooch
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