Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Saliba.
Rafael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town called Cumbaya in Ecuador. I started performing theater since I was four years old. With my father as director and me as co-director, we put up four different musical productions during my high school years. Music and art have always been a part of me since day 1. I’ve always had a passion for singing and playing instruments. (My musical background includes: guitar, piano, flute, drums, bass, ukulele, harmonica, harp, saxophone, and BeaT BoXiNG) Growing up in a family filled with musicians was a constant joy. It was like having your own band. Moreover, during my junior year I was able to become a Thespian. However, I’m always striving for bigger objectives and adventures. So, my next goal was to study acting in Los Angeles, but this time for Film. Without knowing where I was going or what was ahead of me, at the age of 17 I packed my bags and moved out of my home heading north to the land of opportunities.
When I got here, I didn’t have a place to stay so I rented a small room in a house and started going to school. Three years go by and finally I got my degree. However, the degree wasn’t as important as the knowledge and skills I gain as an actor, director, writer, visionary, and dreamer. My biggest achievement so far is having the privilege to show my own short film at the Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, CA. I wrote, acted, and edited the Film. The short film titled “Al otro lado del silencio” (English: “At the other side of silence “) happens around 1940s in a town called Cotacachi. And it narrates the story of a broken relationship between a father and son and how music brings them back together. It is a journey through the life of Enrique and his struggle to forgive his dad from all his past.
During all this time I got to say it’s been hard not knowing what will come next, or if your family will support any of your crazy dreams. However, life always throws you curve balls and you just got to be ready to swing at any time. My next step is go to Orlando where I have already an Internship lined up with Disney World. And from there who knows where I’ll land next. All I can say is that I’m so thankful and blessed to be able to pursue my dreams and hopefully use acting as a tool to make this world a better place.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If the road is flat there’s no fun in that, so when there are bumps along the way is when you can spice things up a bit.
I broke my pelvis and tibia when I was 12 and had to stay in bed for over six months. This meant I had to stop dancing, playing soccer, swimming. Slowly I’ve been able to pick those three things back up and getting back into rhythm, but it’s not the same.
Being away from home at the age of 17 not knowing what’s next has been a great challenge. And during that time having to face my parent’s divorce was really a struggle. However something that I got to say is that being faithful to God has pull me through tough times.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m an actor. People describe me as the “Latin Lover”. I’ve been lucky to learn three languages growing up (English, Spanish, Portuguese). I play several instruments, as well as singing and dancing. My charismatic and Romantic traits are what I go by.
I’m a landscape photographer, a portraitist, and artist as well.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is achieving. It can be a small goal or a big one, it is defined by making an impact and leaving a mark in the society.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8188565234
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rafael.saliba.75?igshid=1a8ive2oej3a0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafael.saliba.75
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