Today we’d like to introduce you to Alesandra Álvarez
Hi Alesandra , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Everything started very early—so early that I don’t even remember it. When I was 18 months old, my father took me to a casting, and I was selected for Sex and Lucía, a well-known film directed by Spanish filmmaker Julio Medem. I wish I could act so naturally today as I did then (haha).
A few years later, my parents moved to a small rural town in the southeast of Spain, near the Mediterranean Sea, and the opportunity for acting didn’t come up again until I was a teenager.
In those early years, I lived a more alternative lifestyle, far from traditional society. I was homeschooled for a while before attending an alternative school called Little Rebels. Years later, I transitioned into a conventional education system. That mix of experiences shaped the way I see the world and gave me a strong sense of adaptability and curiosity—two things that have been essential in my journey as an actor.
When I was 18 years old, I decided to move away from home and explore acting seriously. In 2019, I made the decision to move to Barcelona on my own without knowing anyone there. But I felt it was time to seek the opportunities of a big city. At first, it was overwhelming—adapting to a new place, balancing work and training, and learning how to navigate the industry on my own. But I kept training and building a solid foundation in the craft.
Over time, those small steps led to bigger ones, working on projects that challenged and shaped me. At the same time, I also started exploring the industry from the production side. Experiencing filmmaking from different angles gave me a much broader understanding of how stories come to life, both in front of and behind the camera. Now, I see every role as an opportunity to explore different perspectives, connect deeply with the material, and continue evolving as an artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say that, most of the time, I have experienced challenges as opportunities.
When it comes to acting, the craft itself has been both a challenge and an opportunity—to work with human emotions, relationships, and experiences that we all go through.
I encounter obstacles both within the craft itself and in the industry. Sometimes, the challenge is deeply internal—like struggling to fully embody a character due to their circumstances. For example, in my most recent role, I found it really difficult to step into the character’s world at first. It was emotionally heavy, and there was something in me that resisted. But eventually, I just had to let go and allow myself to be in it. Other times, the obstacles are more external—dealing with casting directors, handling last-minute project cancellations, or projects falling apart after so much effort has been put into them.
On the production side, I would say the biggest challenge is the pressure—everything has to be efficient and fast-paced. Keeping up with that rhythm can be exhausting, especially when working with large teams and constantly communicating with multiple departments. There’s little room for mistakes, and the need to stay sharp at all times is very demanding.
In both fields, without a doubt, another challenge has been navigating the uncertainty that comes with this profession. Both acting and working in the production field require a lot of perseverance—there are moments of doubt and setbacks.
However, when I connected with the right projects and people who truly inspired me, everything started to make sense, and the struggles became part of what makes the journey worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an actor, my approach is deeply rooted in truth. I’m drawn to authenticity in storytelling—finding the space for a character to exist fully within their reality and experiencing that truth from the inside out. Every role is an opportunity to explore human depth and bring something raw and honest to the screen.
In the production field, I work closely with casting. I enjoy the selection process, understanding what the director is looking for, and being present during the shoot. I focus on managing logistics while also bringing as much humanity as possible to the set.
What am I most proud of? Honestly, the strength I’ve gained over time. I remember my first year auditioning—I barely felt capable or strong enough. Now, I feel that I can reach places I never imagined. It’s crazy—it gives me a feeling of being unstoppable, but, of course, having a great script and a great director always helps.
I don’t really think about it that way, but I guess what makes me different is just the way I approach things. I try to stay as present and truthful as possible in every role. I don’t like overcomplicating things—I just focus on the character and let everything else fall into place. And, of course, being stubborn and determined is an important aspect of my outcome.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me, even if it sounds repetitive, is truth. Authenticity creates real connections, and I strive to bring that honesty into every role.
In production, I focus on the human side—ensuring that amidst the logistics, there’s always space for genuine connection. Casting isn’t just about selecting actors; it’s about uncovering the character within them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alesandraalvarez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alesandra_alvarez/
Image Credits
Adrián Madrid
Josep Tamarit
Irene C.H.
