Check out our interview with Los Angeles based Cuban-Haitian, Venezuelan, Dominican actress, writer and producer Isadora Ortega who has acted in countless movies such as ‘Another Love Story’, ‘Hope Street Holiday’, Killer Bae Since 2019′, and many more!
Now, Ortega has taken on the role of producer with feature film ‘Golden Flower’. Directed by Academy nominated filmmaker, David Massey (African American) and introducing Isadora M. Ortega (Afro-Latina) as our lead and EP, this film is inspired by the true events and life of Anacaona.
Anacaona (aka Golden Flower) was an indigenous Taino kasiké (chief), during the 1500’s in the Caribbean. Much myth was spread about the Taino after their discovery. They died of disease. They fled south. Their culture doesn’t exist anymore. Our short film helps shift that narrative but with a modern day twist, as we see the de Ovando family’s descendants benefit from their ill-got gains.
Follow Isadora @LABLACKLATINA
Isadora, please tell us a little about you?
I am an award-winning actress, producer, and writer. I was raised in New York City between Washington Heights and Harlem. My parents are Dominican, Cuban and Haitian.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, Resilient, and Passionate.
How did you get started into acting?
After falling deeply in love with the art of acting by watching telenovelas with my mom. I knew at an early age that I wanted to take part in a career that was diverse in the form of expression. While living in New York, I studied the art of acting, including voice-over, improvisation, body movement etc. at the Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and at Susan Batson Studios.
How has this changed your life?
Acting is an art and a form of expression and self discovery.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Acting is what I want to do professionally for the rest of my life.
How do you prepare for a role?
I create a biography of my characters. Furthermore, I look into what the other characters are saying about my characters.
Tell us about your new film “Golden Flower,” and about your producer role?
“Golden Flower” – is an adaptation of the successful graphic novel. Directed by Academy nominated filmmaker, David Massey and introducing myself as the lead and executive producer, this film is inspired by the true events and life of Anacaona.
Anacaona (aka Golden Flower) was an indigenous Taino kasiké (chief), during the 1500’s in the Caribbean. Much myth was spread about the Taino after their discovery. The colonizers were shocked to learn that the Taino culture was egalitarian with women and men holding equal roles of leadership. Thus, the colonizers spread rumors to gain control. They died of disease. They fled south. Their culture doesn’t exist anymore. Our short film helps shift that narrative but with a modern day twist, as we see the de Ovando family’s descendants benefit from their ill-got gains.
The majority of filming occurred on the island of Puerto Rico, where one of the Taino capitals once existed. Our team worked with language consultants and philologists who’ve restored the Taino language to it’s current state. Additional consultants helped guide our creative staff with the layout of the bohios (huts) and stones, musical composition and cultural influences of the lost tribes. Authenticity was our guiding light for presenting a story untold.
Now tell us about your work in movies ‘Another Love Story’, ‘Hope Street Holiday’, Killer Bae Since 2019?”
In Another Love Story, I play a budding novelist Miriam Ramos, a woman fresh out of a toxic relationship who quickly finds herself in a dark place, desperately seeking to live a lavish life and to be romantically in love. Starting to believe that she is the problem, the hurdles of life quickly weigh on her until she meets and falls deeply in love with the man of her dreams – That is, until her newfound love reveals itself to be a tragic nightmare, not even her closest friends could see coming.
About Hope Street Holiday, Galia García is a successful Afro Latina attorney in Los Angeles who returns to her small hometown after getting dumped days before Christmas. She realized her life has been lacking meaningful relationships since losing her mother and best friend. With the help of a 5 year old orphan, her 3 crazy aunts and the magic of this small town, Galia heals from her past trauma. Ultimately, she’ll rediscover her self-worth, the true meaning of family, and fall in love all over again with an old friend.
Killer Bae is web series about a Succubus named Selena. This project was so much fun and I love playing the role of Selena very much!
Now tell us about your Producer and Writer’s life and if you have to pick in order, what goes first: Writer, Producer or Actress?
I will always pick acting first, writing second and producing last.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I want to lead my own Superhero franchise. I love action and drama! I am a very physical actress. I do action training and weapon tactical training.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be up to right now?
I don’t know because I don’t ever think of that.
Which fictional character would be the most exciting to meet in real life?
Dr. Strange.
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, and Anthony Hopkins.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Being able to move freely with my objective without guilt and judgment.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Stay actively training on your craft.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Create your own stories as much as possible.
How would your best friend describe you?
That I love hard.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“She didn’t waste her pain”.
What’s next for Isadora Ortega in 2023?
‘Golden Flower’ , the short film, is my main focus. Have a successful Film Festival run and get a development deal for the future film.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Yams.
And your favorite cheat food?
Cinnabon.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Having a full-filled life in every way possible. Having a successful acting career that allows me to give back, health and create memories with my loved ones.
Best advice ever given?
You can’t control what people do or say just the way you react to it.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, children’s youth.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself as an Oscar winning actress and leading my own Superhero franchise.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is what you make of it. Just make sure you know yourself before diving in the rabbit hole of social media because it is very easy to get it confused with reality.
Where can we follow you?
Book: Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of my favorite authors and I just love most of his books!
Quote: “Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.” -Shonda Rhimes
Tv Series: ‘Braginton’ and ‘Game Thrones’.
Favorite Food: I am a foodie so I just love experiencing food from all around the world.
Travel Destination: Italy, Greece, Thailand, Bali, Japan and all the Caribbean islands!
Credits
Photography: Michael J. @themichael_j
MUA: Christine Tirado @christinetirado_mua
Hairstylist: Arend Jackson @arend.jackson with @mcintyremanagement
Location: 1:11 Studios @111studios.dtla
Project Coordinator: Handz Dirty PR @handzdirtypr
