Conversations with Sandy Duarte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Duarte.

Hi Sandy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Many years ago, I saw a play that deeply affected me, so much so I couldn’t even stand up for the applause as I was trying to hold back my tears. It ravaged me, immediately setting the wheels in motion to shift from my career in the Fashion industry into the art of Acting and Producing. I felt a real need to communicate creatively in a way that involved my mind and body more, rather than at arm’s length. With acting, there is no place to hide, it truly involves everything you have in a more deep and visceral way, and that was what the soul hungered for. From there, I jump-started into this new career and shortly after won a Dora Award (Canada’s Tony Award) for Outstanding Female Performance for a show that I not only acted in but produced as well.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been interesting, smooth in some parts and challenging in others. It has taught me the art of patience. To work continually like a ritual irregardless of outcome. The most complex part of the journey has been getting my Greencard for the USA (which I am thrilled about!). Something I hold dearest to my heart. My life and career really opened up since living in the USA and within Los Angeles as it is obviously still truly the center for everything in this industry, but also contains so many wonderful people who are open for collaboration simply for the sheer beautiful curiosity of it all. The openness is a game-changer, thus making that road worth traversing in the end.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am recently very proud of all the work to successfully garner my USA Greencard, which allows vision and growth and progress in a country and city (Los Angeles) that truly receives in a place like no other. Immigrating to a country of this stature didn’t come easy and really required exercised focus, faith, hard work and dedication. Traits that I take into everything I do.

And I am so proud of our film CHERRY directed by Sophie Galibert, which was shot in LA during the height of Covid and managed to beautifully premiere at Tribeca Film Festival with an Audience Award Win…

…and to see it at its West Coast Premier at DTLA Film Festival to much success – Our Director took Best Director for Narrative Feature, and several of our actors won including our Lead for Best Actor, and myself, getting a Best Supporting Actor nod. The film tackles the still-very-hot-topic: abortion and manages to bring you into the characters world through her journey over the course of 24 hours. The journey is filled with humour, empathy and plenty of self-discovery and growth.

Along with my the love of acting, I am deeply passionate about producing ideas that are unique and creative and speak to me. I am blessed to work with a creative force, my creative partner and dearest friend, a CFC Alum, Nathan Blacklock. Together we have formed our company, Anachronistic Pictures and are in the process of bringing to life something exciting in the form of TV – with some incredible people attached. Wish I could share more, but you can stay in touch by visiting: anachronisticpictures.com.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d love to leave this piece with one of my favorite passages from the Tao Te Ching:

A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is.

Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn’t reject anyone.
He is ready to use all situations
and doesn’t waste anything.
This is called embodying the light.

What is a good man but a bad man’s teacher?
What is a bad man but a good man’s job?
If you don’t understand this, you will get lost,
however intelligent you are.
It is the great secret.

Sincere gratitude and thanks to everyone who has touched my life on this journey. To laughter, friendship and enjoying the journey! (and thank you VoyageLA!)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2892951
• Instagram: @sandy__duarte
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandyduarte
• Other: https://anachronisticpictures.com

Image Credits
Tim Leyes Mark Binks Sophie Galibert