Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Albano.
Nina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Movie productions were fascinating to me. After watching a DVD I would go back and watch the special features on making the movie, director or actor interviews, set design, bloopers, deleted scenes, etc. It took a while for my intrigue for film production to evolve into imagining the opportunity for myself. I have been beyond blessed with a community of individuals who have supported and encouraged my artistic passions. My Grandpa, Mom, and older Brother greatly influenced my creativity.
Growing up my Papa (grandpa) would tell the most elaborate stories. Whether it was a true life experience or a fantasy bedtime story, his words transposed me into an exciting adventure. Even if I had heard the story a thousand times before, he had my full attention. For many years, he was involved in local amateur theatre. His interest sparked my own. Before he passed he was asked if there was anything he had regretted not doing in his life. His response was he wished he would have pursued theatre in New York. Knowing this has spurred me on to do what I enjoy, take risks, and tell my own stories.
At a young age, I became fascinated with unfamiliar accents. This was heavily influenced by the selection of VHS (Video Home System) movies my Mom would bring home from Blockbuster. I would watch the movies over and over to memorize my favorite scenes in the characters’ accents. Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Whale Rider, Rabbit Proof Fence, October Sky, and Schindler’s List were some of my favorites.
My older brother, on the other hand, inspired me with a different genre of movies. I grew up admiring anything and everything he did. I wanted to be just like him. Watching movies like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Batman, Avatar, Matrix, and X-men made me feel like I was cool too. Horatio Hornblower, Gladiator, Troy, Blood Diamond, Four Brothers, and Last Samurai were some of my favorites to watch with him. These movies heavily influenced the types of roles and characters I would one day like to portray.
As a kid, my creative mind took me on brave quests with mapped treasures, hidden cities, dangerous monsters, and magical forests. Over the years, I discovered acting gave me the ability to channel the imaginative worlds I had created. My Papa fueled my imagination, my mom opened me up to cultural variety, and my older brother encouraged the fighter in me. The art of acting allows me the freedom to explore my creativity and imagination, physically and emotionally.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being born and raised on the island of Kaua`i, provided a unique environment to grow up. Hiking, swimming, cliff jumping, snorkeling (freediving), camping and almost anything to do with the outdoors was a huge part of my everyday life. Exploration and adventure fueled my love for life. The blessings of growing up in Hawaii are endless. Moving to California was a shock to say the least. The obvious challenge of being away from family, friends, and familiarity were to be expected. However, the culture shock and lifestyle changes were the most difficult adjustments for me.
Hawaii is a culture that is marinated in the Aloha. Aloha has many meanings but all in all it is the understanding of respect, selflessness, and love. The literal translation of the word is “the presence of breath” or “presence of life”. Being removed from this way of life took a toll on me. I didn’t realize how much it impacted my life until it wasn’t there anymore. People ask all the time how Hawaii compares to the mainland. At first my initial thoughts were negative.
In a sense, I lost sight of the true meaning of Aloha. I started to become upset with the differences of culture. But Aloha isn’t about what you receive rather what you emanate and embody. So it became a choice I had to make. I had to choose Aloha for myself and for others. This realization has broadened my understanding of the differences of culture. It isn’t that either one is correct or better, just different.
Being surrounded by tall buildings and little nature Although these adjustments were difficult, they were turned into blessings. There are many activities unavailable to Hawaii. Driving a few hours to a mountain for snowboarding season, life theatre, visiting museums, and hiking new terrain has became my new normal. It’s not the same as Hawai’i but that’s okay.
I feel my best when I am learning, growing, and challenging myself physically/ spiritually/mentally. I am learning how to balance my life in a highly demanding industry while remembering who I am, where I am from, and who I represent. Moving outside of my comfort zone has been a huge personal and spiritual growing experience. Obstacles are just opportunities to surprise yourself with what you are capable of. I see each challenge as a blessing and the chance to choose joy.
James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Acting is an art form but it is also a skill. Like any skill, acting takes discipline, practice, and hard work. To sharpen my craft, I am currently a student of the Meisner Technique. This technique focuses on doing things truthfully through imaginary circumstances. I have learned so much about myself and the power of the imagination through studying this technique. These classes I have also brought be the opportunity to meet and network with an array of like-minded artists, directors, writers, producers, etc. In between rehearsals and classes I have been keeping busy by self submitting auditions, modeling, working on independent projects, reading scripts, etc. A few of my classmates and I have a theatre project in the works which is very exciting.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Exploration is the greatest educator. Throughout history it was common for Hawai’i monarchs to send their children overseas to study abroad. Upon returning, their knowledge would be passed along for the benefit of others. In a way, I feel the same kuleana (responsibility) to master my craft in order to pass along my wisdom and experience for generations follow.
Hawaii’s history is perpetuated through storytelling. Kūpuna (grandparents/ancestors) would share stories to be passed down for generations. Performing arts is just another way of storytelling. In the film industry there was little to no Pacific Islander representation while I was growing up. I’d like to see that change. When the movie “Whale Rider” came out in 2002, it was the first time I had seen a movie I could culturally relate to. As a young girl, I had little to no ethnically or culturally similar female movie influences. I long to continue on the wave that Disney’s Moana has created and bring more Polynesian stories to the big screen.
Whether I inspire others to act or to pursue their dreams through a character I portray, I hope that in some way, shape, or form I will make a difference. In a way, I see my journey as an opportunity to tell a story. The story of my home, the truths about Hawaiian culture, and the heart of the people. Now more than ever, Hollywood has been highlighting diversity. I look forward to doing my part in the industry as it continues to broaden its cultural representation. However, I can aid in the trailblazing process, I hope that in doing so, more opportunities become available for those who pursue their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neenerbano.portfoliobox.net/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @neenerbano
Image Credit:
@chanelle.moreau, @evan.brandt, @narcomey_media, @haugendazzhair, @tyler_ashlock,
@nikeswim, @smkui, @stuartwienten, @betterwithyouphotography, @lukasshlz
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