An Interview with Sandra DaCosta, Actress
by Mike Haberfelner
March 2011
First of all, why don't you introduce yourself to those of us unfortunate enough to not already know you?
I’m a small town girl originating from Kingston, and made the move to Toronto in 1999. I come from a rather large Portuguese family, and both of my parents were and still are determined to present my sister and I with the opportunities they didn’t have while growing up. Although I’m not sure that this is quite what my parents had in mind for me, it’s because of their very obvious work ethic that I was determined to succeed as an actor. Other than acting, I like long walks in the park, and I love to cook, but I am truly a workaholic at heart. I enjoy telling a good story, impersonations and all -- although it may be long winded, so I suggest you grab a seat.
 |
| The Devil Walks Among You |
The Devil Walks Among You is a tale that begins innocently enough, much like it’s predecessor, Tales From The Crypt (1972). The story establishes itself within a seedy blues bar where a spoken word is being performed by Lily Mastema (the character that I portray who happens to love the limelight and attention). To the crowd she is a stranger, but little do they realize what truths are about to unfold. With flashbacks to a 50’s styled diner to assist in the storytelling, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen and what will be revealed.
How did you become involved with the movie, and a few words about its writer/director Ryan M.Andrews [Ryan M.Andrews interview -http://www.searchmytrash.com/cgi-bin/articlecreditsb.pl?ryanmandrews%2812-11%29]?
After reading a news article regarding his latest feature film Black Eve, I was drawn to Ryan M. Andrews because of his interest in returning the horror genre back to its glory days. His idea that the quality of the story is valued over the shock factor of the in-your-face blood and gore, and that the anticipation is what gets under your skin, was a notion I could fully support. I was invited to audition for him and that’s all she wrote.
 |
| Stealin' Home |
What can you tell us about Stealin' Home and your role in it?
Stealin’ Home is a cross genre short film written by Massimo Volpe and directed by Joe Mari. “Set in the summer of 1969, Brooklyn, the story follows The Red Hook Heavies (a gang) and the growing unmanageability of what they consider their turf, even more so after the first Moon landing.” This was an amazing opportunity for me to adapt a voice and accent for the role of Cheeks. She was originally conceived as a “cheap trick from the other side of the tracks,” but once we got the ball rolling she morphed into a character all her own: fast talking, quick witted, likes to hang out with the boys and their fast cars. Cheeks is the sweetest pain in the ass you’ll ever meet.
 | |
| A Very Candid Game |
A Very Candid Game, written and directed by Will Khan, is a multifaceted film dealing with corruption and the imperfections of all political systems. I play the role of Meredith, who is the mistress of the current President of Freedonia, and who confronts him with questions at a personal level. Waiting for the opportunity to catch him when his guard is down, not realizing the Pandora’s Box she is about to open, their relationship unravels as the question of identity comes into play. Along with morals and ethics, (as one another’s identity is revealed) it’s about the psychology of being true to oneself. Can we accept ourselves as we are, even though there is conflict with who we want to be?
You are also in an upcoming feature film with the wonderful title Mr. Serial Killer – Mr. Personality Disorder - You just have to talk about that one for a bit!
This one sparks everyone’s interest, especially with a title like this. Mr. Serial Killer is a disturbing and psychotic web series featuring a group of bizarre serial killers, brought to you by Entity Films and Steven Cerritos. The deranged world of Mr. Serial Killer takes us to a darker side of Happy Ville. In this installment, we are introduced to the enigmatic Mr. Personality Disorder, an individual with bizarre multiple identities and a very disturbing, mysterious past. Familiar faces and questionable new folk fill this tale of tragic proportions. Mr. Personality Disorder was originally intended to be the second episode of the Mr. Serial Killer series, but we're still in the pre-production stages as it's now being considered for a feature length film. I play a principle character named Eva who rose to fame and garnered notoriety for a two-page spread she did in the 90’s. The money was good and life was going great until she contracted HIV, which led to the demise of her career.
 |
| A Very Candid Game |
Any other of your movies you'd like to mention, any future projects?
Well, without counting my chicks before they've hatched, I may be teaming up with Ryan M. Andrews on two of his features, but I’m keeping it in the vault as to the ones on which we may be collaborating.
Let's go back to the beginnings of your career: What made you want to become an actor, and did you have any formal training?
I always knew, but apart from being involved in school plays, I never acted upon it seriously until 2005 when I moved from Kingston and began my training here in Toronto. There’s something to be said about the joy of being entertained. The first film that made a huge impression on me was Star Wars. I always wanted to be Princess Leia, because she was the first empowered woman I came across in film. The second was The Wizard of Oz although the character of Dorothy may have seemed frail and weak, her determination to work her way through a world that was unknown to her spoke volumes to me.
Do you still remember your very first shoot, and what can you tell us about this experience?
I was in grade 2 and our class was performing an adaptation of the Nativity scene. I was originally cast as a background performer, then days before we were set to perform live on TV, I was given the role of Mary. During rehearsals we didn’t have a baby sleeping in the manger and with the cameras rolling, I approached the manger to suddenly find a prop baby! I didn’t know what to do. I asked myself, “Do I unwrap it? Do I pick it up out of the manger?” In the end, I looked over at the director and motioned with my hands unwrapping the baby. I will never forget that moment. My parents still have a copy of it, and we all get a good chuckle out of watching my debut.
 |
| Stealin' Home |
In general, how do you approach your roles?
Different roles call for a different approach as the needs and wants shift from character to character. Sure there are the standard things to look for within the role and the script, but I’ve found that variety is the spice of life and amps up the game and viability of my acting. The general rule of thumb for myself is to not make any assumptions and focus on the commitment to the feelings I’ve chosen with respect to the role.
For me the only difference is the shooting schedule. In my opinion, music videos are a great tool and can be quality mini movies if executed well.
You live in Toronto, Canada. What can you tell us about the local (indie-)film scene?
The Toronto indie film scene is thriving, there’s no doubt about that. There is so much being filmed in Toronto (as a result, many indie films never see the light of day which is disappointing) and I think it’s because of the direction the entertainment industry has taken (a less than desirable one at that). People are constantly attempting to reinvent the wheel, which is okay, but I think what it’s got to come down to is good entertainment value for every party involved. I’d also like to see the distinction between a Canadian film and an American film dissolve. Personally, because I am a proud Canadian, I can’t tolerate hearing, “well this looks and feels like a Canadian film”. What does that actually mean? Does it mean that I/we have less of a chance at getting viewership in the US or worldwide? It feels somewhat discriminatory to me. All I can do is look for awesome projects to be a part of, and keep my fingers crossed that the story, production value and the final product are spectacular enough to transcend all plains.
 |
| The Devil Walks Among You |
What would be your absolute dreamrole (no matter how impossible)?
I would love to portray the female version of James Bond--I’m referring to the Daniel Craig version, truly an assassin at heart. But I’d also like to take a stab at an exploitation film and kick some serious ass as the bad girl.
Actresses (or indeed actors) who inspire you?
I enjoy the work of Christina Ricci, Natalie Portman, Lily Tomlin, and Helena Bonham Carter. I also have a great amount of respect for Meryl Streep, she’s a definite triple treat in my eyes. As for the boys I really can’t say enough good things about Robert Downey Jr., Paul Giamatti, John Malkovich, Daniel Day Lewis, Leonardo Dicaprio, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, just to name a few.
Your favourite movies?
Matrix, Pan’s Labyrinth, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe (Elizabeth Taylor is so amazing in this), Conan the Barbarian, Blade Runner, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Jaws, High Tension, Fight Club, and my own film Stealin’ Home.
... and of course, films you really deplored?
Sex and The City 1 & 2, Waterworld, Saw II – VI, Saw 3D, Jonah Hex and Spiderman 2 & 3.
Your website, Facebook, whatever else?
Email: sandra_m_dacosta@yahoo.ca
Blog: http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
Website: http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
Thanks for the interview!
Thanks for the opportunity !
© by Mike Haberfelner
ORIGINAL INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE http://www.searchmytrash.com/cgi-bin/articlecreditsb.pl?sandradacosta%283-11%29
