Maria Canas Taking That First Step

Maria Canas was born and raised in Venezuela but her parents predicted the coming crisis so they moved to the U.S. in 2008.  She graduated from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City and has since performed in several short films, TV series and theater productions.  She was proudly assistant director to the filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi, ‘ an incredible learning experience and with his guidance and mentorship, I was inspired to write and direct my first short film “From Afar”, a story about an elderly couple struggling to survive in Venezuela.’

Greatest inspirations or influences?

Music. It has the power to connect us, heal us and take us to different places and emotions. Bahman Ghobadi directed a film called “No One Knows About Persian Cats” which is about the underground music scene in Tehran. It had a powerful impact on me because it connected two of my passions – music and film – and showed the power that it can have on humans living under oppressive conditions. He has such a passion and eye for cinema; it was truly inspiring to see that out of any place or person he can bring out a story with such details. 

Another of my greatest inspirations is actual production.  I am fascinated by the amount of work and all the details that go into a production. The dynamic of people working together under tight time pressures in order to bring a vision to life. Unfortunately we don't usually get to see or really appreciate the true work that goes behind the success of a production.

You directed a short about Venezuela, how was the response to it?

We shot the film in Istanbul using a Turkish crew and cast. The actors looked Venezuelan and somehow the location – the suburbs of Istanbul – looked just like many cities in Venezuela! We had a limited budget so it was a challenge to portray the civil unrest and protests that were the backdrop to the film. Instead of shooting expensive protest scenes, as I first intended, I had the idea to use balloons as a metaphor for the Venezuelan people who are protesting, and the elderly couple supporting the people by blowing air into the balloons all day every day. I chose the main actor because he had a special face that really portrayed a life full of pain, love and pride. I initially selected another leading actress to play the part of his wife, but he refused and insisted to have his wife in real life play the role. It turned out to be a blessing because it turned out just perfect,  we filmed in their real home, and their lifelong love really came across on camera.

I received a lot of support from family and friends in making this film. Even though I had the idea to direct and produce the film for awhile, one of the challenges was to convince myself I could actually do it.

Nothing happens without taking that first step. I developed the script and held a fundraiser to help finance the film – since the topic is about a humanitarian crisis in my country, which doesn't get enough media attention, I used this film as a way to create awareness. 

What kind of roles would you be inspired to do? 

As an actress I always hope for the opportunity to portray roles that will challenge and teach me. Storytelling has the power to inspire change in different cultures. I aspire for roles where my art can have an impact and can truly make a difference. That said, I also love comedy, and want to express the lighter side of life. There's always humor in every situation, no matter how dark, specially in these times. 

Some films you have seen that made you believe in cinema as a medium?

"Life is Beautiful" is one of my favorite all-time films and made me believe in the power of cinema - a movie of beauty and love in the wake of human atrocities, a movie with charm and tragedy. The main character’s refusal to be broken down right to the bitter end is inspiring. As well as a mother's and wife's unconditional love, this movie is as sad as it is funny in it's starting scenes. 

Turtles Can Fly by Bahman Ghobadi is one the films that changed my perspective and made me feel the need to tell a story. It is lyrical and heartbreaking reminder of the human toll of war. 

Favourite websites or social media handles? 

GoFundMe is such an incredible platform to help and support so many great causes. I initially started raising funds for my short film through the site and it was incredible to get the help from people I knew and also from people I did not know. It is also so useful to help those in need in Venezuela and other parts of the World. Many people ask what can they do from their part to help different causes that need our support, well GoFundMe is an incredible resource of information, just do your research and find a good project that needs support. 

What would be a dream project for you? 

I want to develop a feature length film, ( as a producer and act as well)  that tells the story of Venezuelan people in a way that has not been done before. A lot of people are willing to help when you watch the news and see the tragedies that are unfolding but we need to share these stories with more depth. 

What is something your doing this decade differently to battle climate change or raise awareness to something we should all be concerned about. 

Thank you for this question, this should be asked in all interviews !  My main focus now, is to really shop consciously. With a little attention, anyone can change their shopping habits and support the companies and brands that are truly sustainable and eco friendly. It needs to start from somewhere. 

Every small bit helps and I think it’s important for us to also start working on little habits that collectively make an impact.

Thank you Maria! xx