Last Dance Film | internationalfilmreview

With a stunning appearance that is simultaneously exotic and the embodiment of a girl next door, actress Daria Sarmientos’ aesthetic, coupled with her skill as a performer, has made her a sought after talent within the international entertainment industry.

Over the last few years, Daria has been tapped to perform in numerous hit series, such as the Oxygen network’s “In Ice Cold Blood” with Grammy Award winner Ice-T, who earned a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year, Netflix’s Primetime Emmy Award nominated “Grace and Frankie,” and Will Smith’s Oscar Award winning feature film “King Richard,” as well as commercials for major brands, including Jameson Irish Whisky, and the multi-award winning musical “Sight.”

However, what Daria has become best known for are her lead roles in numerous award winning films, such as Li Songhuan’s “The Death of an Artist,” for which she earned the Best Actress Award from both the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards and the Gangtok International Festival, as well as awards from the Milan Gold Awards and the Rome International Movie Awards. Shot in California’s Mojave desert, Daria gives a raw and riveting performance as Eva, a young film director with a terminal illness, who searches for peace and transcendence through alternative practices in the film “The Death of an Artist.”

Prior to working on the film “The Death of an Artist,” Daria worked with director Li Songhuan as the lead actress in his 2021 film “Last Dance,” for which she earned international praise, including the Best Female Performance Award from the Best Istanbul Film Festival, the Best Actress Award from ADIFF and an Honorable Mention from Screen Power Film Festival. Another award winner that boosted Daria’s reputation as a dynamic and powerful actress, “Last Dance” follows a drug addicted man who, in the midst of overdosing, is met with a vision of the past, and a painful truth he would stop at nothing to forget. Taking on the challenge of playing two roles within the film, Daria plays both the guardian angel that tries to guide the man’s way, as well as his conscience.

With unparalleled versatility at her disposal, the range of characters Daria’s inhabited and the genres she’s performed in are vast and varied, and she continues to impress. Represented by Sarah Yapelli of Black Apple Talent, as well as Tarri Markel of Cohen Entertainment, Daria Sarmientos has some exciting new projects in the works. Up next for the actress are the upcoming films “The Hamlet,” which has enjoyed some exciting promotions in the U.S., and “Circle Bridge,” which is slated for release later this year– two films she opens up about in our interview. She has also been cast to play a key role in the film “The Cousin,” which is expected to begin filming later this year and boasts a cast of heavy hitters, including Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen (“Sideways,” “Prey for the Devil,” “Swamp Thing”), Los Angeles Film Awards winner Terri Polo (“Fourth Grade,” “The Ravine,” “Meet the Parents”), Dylan Walk (“Nip/Tuck,” “The Stepfather,” “Blue Bloods”) and David Mazouz (“Gotham,” “Touch).

In our interview Daria opens up about her upbringing overseas, her keys to making it in LA and her love for the craft, enjoy!

Hi Daria, thank you for joining us! Can you tell us where you are from?

I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. I love everything about that city… the buildings, museums, restaurants, bars… the parks in spring time… and most of all I love that it is not a huge city so I can just walk around.

What was it like growing up there?

Growing up in Italy was a great experience. Especially when it comes to education. The schools I was lucky enough to attend were very strict and demanding, but in hindsight I was happy with them as they gave me discipline. Before embarking on the path of acting, I graduated in political science and international relations from one of the best universities in Italy. In my country family is extremely important. I am full of memories of Sunday lunches and holidays spent with my parents, grandparents and the rest of the relatives. My parents are my biggest fans. They always encouraged me to do exactly what makes me happy, no matter the risks… they were actually the first ones telling me to quit my 9 to 5 job to pursue acting.

When and how did you get into acting?

I wasn’t the ‘I wanted to act since I was a little girl’ type… I actually didn’t even think about acting until I was 26 years old. One day I was having lunch with my mom, and it was one of those days where I wasn’t at my best, and my mother said to me, “Daria I can’t see you like this anymore, you’re not happy, I can tell! What is it that you would like to do with your life?” and I answered that I genuinely didn’t know, all I knew was that I wasn’t happy. So she asked me, “Without thinking, what is it you’re passionate about?” and in one second I said, “Movies.” Three days later I had my admission audition for an acting school in Milan.

From the first day of acting classes I fell in love with this art. I was going to sleep with a huge smile on my face every night and I couldn’t wait for the next day to come so I could act again. After a few months I realized that I could act for the rest of my life and be happy. I could stay on set for 15 hours straight and still not be tired of it. So I graduated from the Artists Academy in Milan and decided to continue my studies in Los Angeles, where I got my second degree in Acting For Film from the New York Film Academy.

Can you tell us about the transition from Milan to Los Angeles– was it overwhelming? How is living in LA different from Milan?

It was really overwhelming actually. I had always considered Milan as one of the major cities I had been to, but that quickly changed once I moved to LA, which is probably ten times bigger.

There are a lot of differences, for example in Milan I used to walk everywhere, but here in LA that is practically impossible, you need a car to get around.

The weather is another big difference. I can’t tell you how much my life has changed because of the LA weather. I love that I am able to spend so much time outside, walking, running,going to the beach, it is such a blessing for me. My lifestyle has definitely improved a lot. I still miss European architecture sometimes, the little communities, my family… but I know this is what ‘s best for my career.

How did you go about getting your name out there when you first began acting professionally?

I always said yes when I was given the opportunity to be on a set. It didn’t matter if it was a non-paid job, theater, etc., but most importantly I was always professional and prepared, even when I had a small part I took it seriously and felt grateful to be part of the project. Then people start talking about you, this is a pretty small industry…my name was passed around by directors to other directors and I started getting more and more big roles. I’m also grateful I could make really good friends along the way.

Were you nervous during your early days of working on set? What tools did you use to overcome your nerves so you could really shine on screen?

Oooh yes! I used to get really nervous right before I went on set… I would question myself, whether I was good enough, what if I forget my lines, all of these questions would pass through my mind; but then I would take a deep breath, look at myself in the mirror and remind myself that I was chosen for the part for a reason. I’m talented in my unique way and I was made for this and the set is my safe space where I feel happy and joyful. Fortunately once I was in front of the camera all those negative thoughts left immediately.

You recently finished filming the feature “Circle Bridge”– can you tell us a bit about the film?

“Circle Bridge” is a feature that we shot in Hemet, California last year. A mix of drama and fantasy, the film centers on the soul of a dead man, Lyndon, who has been given one more chance to return to earth to make things right with his daughter. I play Alaya in the film, a guiding angel who follows our guy and leads him on a crazy adventure.

What was your favorite part about being involved with this project?

All of it! The cast and crew was filled with incredibly talented people, and the locations in the desert were breathtaking. I also feel like when you spend three weeks on location with other actors and the rest of the crew you create a deep bond, which is nice.

What can audiences expect from this film?

It’s a film about compassion…it’s a film about forgiveness and making the right choice. Some parts are truly emotional.

You’ve also starred in the award-winning films “Last Dance” and “The Death of an Artist”– Can you tell us how they pushed you to grow as an actress?

These are the types of projects you have to approach with an open mind. I think experimental films push you to get out of your comfort zone, and allow you to explore the deepest and darkest places within your mind. With these films, I definitely learned to let go and be more vulnerable in front of the camera.

The film “Last Dance” is a story about acceptance and realization depicted through the story of a drug addict who, during an overdose that leads to his death, remembers a tragic event where he killed a woman he was obsessed with, a memory he had been trying to forget. I played his conscience, the woman in the vision and his angel. On the other hand “The Death of an Artist” is a story about Dakini, a director who, suffering from a fatal illness, goes to a center in the Mojave Desert, where one can transcend time and space, and where euthanasia is legal. Before she dies, she is willing to experiment with all that is left.

How did it feel to be awarded for your work?

It’s one of the best feelings ever. Knowing that your effort, your time, your passion and your performance was award worthy– it’s just the perfect payback for all the work I’ve put into this job.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I think being awarded as Best Actress in several film festivals has been a great achievement for me so far. I also recently played the role of Scarlett in the film “The Hamlet,” which we shot earlier this year, and I think it’s pretty exciting that the poster was featured on one of the Time Square billboards in New York City.

Can you tell us what the film “The Hamlet” is about?

“The Hamlet” is a story about Henry Southerland, an ambitious Oxford graduate and acting student who’s coerced into sexual acts by his influential acting teacher and stage play director, Cage Spencer. In return, Henry receives the coveted role of Prince Hamlet in the director’s upcoming production of the famous Shakespeare play; however, the dark relationship comes to haunt Henry when he pursues a career in politics later in life, bringing his story full circle

How does your character fit into the film?

I play Scarlett, Cage Spencer’s assistant acting teacher. She’s a really dedicated and caring woman who creates a safe space for the students, and prepares them well so they are always ready for their class with professor Spencer, but even with all of her good qualities, she manages to completely miss the fact that Spencer has an obsession over this one student. What was your favorite part about playing this character?

It was really interesting to play an acting teacher. It felt like all the knowledge that I gained during my student years came to the surface, and I was behaving exactly like one of my acting teachers. It was a surreal experience!

Can you list some of the people you’ve worked with that our readers might know?

I’ve been cast in the upcoming feature film “The Cousin” with Virginia Madsen, Teri Polo and Dylan Walsh. I’ve also had the honor of being on the show “Grace & Frankie” with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, and in one of the scenes I say a couple of lines with Baron Vaughn and Ethan Embry. I also played a role in the TV show “Hunters” and let me tell you…just being in the same room with Al Pacino, having the opportunity to witness his talent in person… is something I’ll never forget.

Out of all your film and television projects, what has been your favorite so far and why?

“The Death of an Artist” is definitely my favorite so far. It was my first experience being 24/7 on a set with the rest of the cast and crew, the story was incredibly original and unique and the character I had to play challenged me in a way that it contributed to making me a better artist.

What is it about acting that drives you to perform?

Many things. The first thing that comes to mind is what I personally feel when I’m watching a movie– for a couple of hours I live with the characters, I cry when they cry and laugh when they laugh, I panic and I’m scared when they are. What I want to do with my acting is let people feel my emotions, let them come on the journey with me, and experience a different adventure every time.

On a more personal level I think acting has helped me to reach a greater understanding about different aspects of my personality– to see things I didn’t know before. I get to get out of my comfort zone, I’m able to put myself in someone else’s shoes and explore different shades of human nature. It’s just awesome to me! What I always say to myself is, “acting is not what I do, but what I am.”

How do you feel when you are performing?

It’s so hard to explain, but I feel like I’m no longer Daria, I am my character at that moment. I forget about the filters I’ve developed from living in our society and just let go. I owe it to my characters to give them their own lives, backgrounds, desires, and needs; and I do my best every single time to give them the richest existence possible, and allow the story to tell its truth.

What kinds of stories do you like to tell with your work?

The kind of stories that inspire the audience to question themselves, that provide them with an opportunity to open their minds and experience a different point of view through my character’s eyes.

What kind of impact do you hope to have on audiences?

I hope they feel inspired, I hope I can give them a few emotional moments that make them feel alive or make them laugh and I hope I can let them live the magic of dreaming…because this is exactly what I feel whenever I watch a great performance.

What do you hope to achieve in your career?

An Oscar of course!!! I mean go big or go home right?? But jokes aside, I really would love to get to the point where I can be an inspiration for people, be able to let people feel emotions, feel whatever my character is experiencing and tell a story that can motivate viewers.

What advice do you have for other foreign actors who want to make it in Hollywood?

Be prepared, it’s not all shimmery and glowing! Don’t take things too personal, rejection is part of the process, take classes for accent reduction…. I know you will eventually miss home, your family and at some point even wonder why the hell you decided to pursue this path, but I can promise you that it’s all worth it. If you love this job as much as I do, if you feel like you can’t live without it, then don’t give up!

VFX artist and director Zhaoyu Zhou23592110_10215392853721198_2657579445691441541_o — VFX artist and director Zhaoyu Zhou

From manipulating the imagery of live-action footage to creating characters like the titular bear in “Paddington,” the CGI Autobots in “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” and even bringing former ones back from the dead, such the “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” character Grand Moff Tarkin, the advances in visual effects technology has given filmmakers exponential freedom to literally create anything they can imagine.

A perfect example of the unique power and possibilities that new digital technologies have brought to modern filmmaking is Chinese VFX artist and film director Zhaoyu Zhou’s recent film “Last Dance,” which earned the Best Experimental Film Award at the Miami Short Film Festival and was chosen as a Semifinalist by the 2017 Adobe Design Achievement Awards.

An experimental motion capture visualization film, “Last Dance” tells the ancient Chinese romance story “Farewell My Concubine” in the way of Peking Opera, a traditional Chinese performing art that combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics.

”I came up with this idea and concept back in 2015 since I have family and relatives engaged in Peking Opera performances, and I have also been influenced by this traditional performing arts since childhood,” explains Zhou. “By creating this film I wanted to depict Peking Opera in a new form, while also giving audiences the opportunity to experience this traditional Chinese performing art.”

Zhou shot “Last Dance” using famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Ming, who assisted in the choreography and performed the dance as both the King and the Concubine simultaneously on a motion capture stage. Zhou then transferred the motion capture data into Houdini where he created the dynamic simulation effects we see on screen. A data intensive film, Zhou also brought in Houdini FX artist Debra Isaac, who’s known for her visual effects work on the documentary films “Holy Man: The USA VS. Douglas White” and “Wildest Weather in the Solar System.”

“Motion visualization is a newer form of storytelling, and it utilizes the most advanced VFX techniques. The final visual look is achieved through the effects of dynamic simulation. I used Mantra to render and Nuke to composite,” Zhou explains. “There are no texture maps on the two characters, so in order to achieve the elegant look I had to tweak the light and shader material.”

The film, which has also been chosen as an Official Selection of the 2018 USC First Look Film Festival, is visually beautiful, with Zhou’s master skill in VFX making it possible for the figures to dance gracefully across the screen. Zhou’s minimalist style in “Last Dance” provides a lot of space for the viewer’s imagination. The dynamic fluidity of the characters, their bright colors– a key representation of the costumes in Peking Opera performances, and they way he structures the two characters, with the King coming across with a level of sharpness and the Concubine with smooth rounded edges, make “Last Dance” a rich expression of innovation and a homage to tradition at the same time.

Another key element to the film, one that helps create an emotional experience for the viewer, gives life to the characters and drives Zhou’s concept of blending the traditional with the modern is the accompanying music.

He says, “This kind of experimental work using motion capture and CG not only require a unique visual style, but they also need to be fully integrated with the music to achieve the best audio visual experience. I am so grateful to my composer Meizhen He for creating the music.”

Zhou, who’s originally from Qingdao, China, began his career a little over five years ago, and what he’s accomplished since is nothing short of amazing. Lately Zhou has been pulling in award after award for his films, which for the most part, are either animated or created through motion visualization techniques. His seasoned skill as a VFX artist is definitely one of his most powerful assets, one that is matched only by his unique creativity and the stories he’s driven to tell.

Some of Zhou’s other films include the 2017 animated film “Karma,” which earned more than nine Best Animation Awards at festivals including the Los Angeles Film Awards and Asians on Film Festival, as well as the Award of Distinction at Greece’s Athens Animation Festival, the 2016 film “Spherical,” which was chosen as an Official Selection of the Melbourne International Animation Festival, the Adobe Design Achievement Awards and more, as well as “Reunion,” “Dancing Blue” and others.

Considering Zhou had already proven his strengths as a narrative storyteller through his previous work, and being someone who’s driven to push his personal creative boundaries, “Last Dance” was the perfect opportunity for the VFX artist and filmmaker to experiment with his craft and create something new.

“This time I wanted to try something new. I saw a lot of experimental works in the beginning. The ones I found most inspirational are the series of motion visualization films by Universal Everything in the UK and WOW studio in Japan,” explains Zhou. “Minimalism combined with surrealism, and integrated with the Chinese Opera is such an innovation. Being able to innovate and combine traditional art with modern technology has always been my pursuit.”

Thanks to his vast knowledge and experience with VFX, Zhou was able to translate an age old form of performance and storytelling into the experimental and wildly creative concept that he envisioned in his mind; and created something audiences across the globe could enjoy.

“It was such an amazing journey for me. My favorite part was transferring the design and concept to the final look through the way of VFX by using Houdini. I couldn’t imagine making this happen without VFX,” says Zhou, adding that, “motion visualization has never been easy but it has challenged me to move forward without fear.”