IN CONVERSATION WITH DIEGO CALVA
interview by JANA LETONJA
Mexican actor Diego Calva will star in Netflix’ series ‘Celda 211’, which will be released on 5th February. He will also appear in ‘On Swift Horses’ alongside Jacob Elordi, which had its international premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Diego is best known for portraying Manny Torres in Damien Chazelle’s comedy drama film ‘Babylon’ , for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.
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‘Babylon’ was such a huge project, and your role as Manny Torres earned you a Golden Globe nomination. What was your initial reaction when you found out you’d been nominated, and how did this role shape your career moving forward?
‘Babylon’ changed my life in many different ways. It was like filming a metafiction of my life. The hardest, the best and the most important role so far. I don’t think about prizes, my trophy was being able to portray Manny Torres. Still my best friend. And yes, of course, ‘Babylon’ gave me the opportunity to start shaping my career. In the beginning, we actors don’t really choose our characters, but there is a moment when you can finally say no, and start telling just what you want to tell.
We’ll be seeing you in Netflix’s limited series ‘Celda 211’.What attracted you to this project, and what can you share about your character in the series?
I loved the idea of talking about the corruption in my country. Mexico, US, Europe, we all have the same virus. Evil.
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What can the audiences expect when the series releases?
A lot of action and soul. A lot of heart. We gave it all. It’s a radiography of society, the government, and human nature.
Soon, we’ll also be seeing you in ‘On Swift Horses’ alongside Jacob Elordi. What can you tell us about this project, and what was it like seeing the reactions to it when it premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival?
I think people connected. It is a story about love, freedom and identity. It is a story about being true to your real self. Isn't that what we all want?
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From indie films to major international projects, your career has evolved significantly. How do you feel about the journey so far, and what has been the most fulfilling aspect of your growth as an actor?
I always wanted to make movies. First as a director and writer, now as an actor. But in the end, as an artist. I like to think that it doesn’t really matter the budget or the language. We all speak cinema.
The film and television industry is constantly changing. How do you think the industry has shaped your career, and where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. We shape the industry.
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Who are the actors or filmmakers who have inspired you the most throughout your career, and why?
I really like Harmony Korine, Leos Carax, Lucrecia Martel, Pedro Costa, Juan Orol, and Britney Spears.
You’ve been involved in a variety of projects across different genres. How do you find balance in maintaining your artistic integrity while also taking on roles that challenge you in new ways?
If you can sleep at night, write some poetry and don’t feel like a clown, you are doing good.
With such an exciting year ahead, what are you most looking forward to, both professionally and personally?
I need more challenges, need trouble. I want to feel fear and excitement. But more than anything, I want to see my mom happy.
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shirt CARLOTA BARRERA
shorts ALVARO CALAFAT
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TEAM CREDITS:
talent DIEGO CALVA
photography JORDI TERRY
styling MANU MENDI
creative direction GSG PRODUCTIONS and CLAUDIA BLANES
hair and makeup CELTIA LATA
styling assistants IRIS ROCHA, RAÚL GONZÁLEZ and MARÍA GADEZ
photography assistants ALEX RIVERA and MARK KATANTSEV
bts DANI OSUNA
production GSG PRODUCTIONS, DANIEL NIETO and ELENA TORRES
location TOP STUDIOS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA