In the dynamic world of Hollywood, where talent and charisma reign supreme, Magi Avila emerges as a multifaceted force to be reckoned with. A celebrated actress and producer, Magi Avila has carved her path through the industry with a blend of skill, determination, and a profound commitment to her craft.
Born with a passion for storytelling, Magi Avila’s journey began with a deep-seated love for the arts. Her early experiences in theater and dance provided a fertile ground for her artistic development, shaping her into the versatile performer she is today. With a keen eye for nuance and a natural ability to inhabit diverse roles, Magi captivates audiences with her compelling on-screen presence.
Our team met with Magi Avila, an outstanding Hollywood Actress and Producer, and in an exclusive interview Magi shared with us many insights.
NTM: Magi, you’ve been in Hollywood for quite some time. How did you feel first when transitioning from the Entertainment industry in Mexico, where you were very successful and known already to Hollywood?
MAGI: I felt lost. It was a truly humbling experience. I didn’t speak the language and when I finally could, it was embarrassing that casting directors couldn’t understand my way of speaking. They would just politely smile, squint their eyes and ask “What was that”…I felt hopeless for many years. I am so grateful that I got to work in a bunch of Spanish speaking commercials, and a few films, which had a lot of acting without or just a few words
NTM: How did Hollywood change in your eyes during the last 5 years?
MAGI: The people whom I have admired during my life have become stronger role models, for now I can appreciate the hardships they have to endure. Salma Hayek, Sophia Vergara, Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few, are still some of my heroines for being such an amazing source of inspiration. When I moved to the USA from Mexico, I was so naïve, and now my understanding of humanity’s range of evil and goodness in this theater called life, has deepened. I am grateful to see and know of the people of our industry who truly appreciate merit and skill, because it is true that this town has more talented actors than there are leaves in the trees! Hahaha. Also, I have come to experience and appreciate how, as in the words of Mr. Brian Grazer “We are in the feelings business” As filmmakers and artists in general, we hold such a power to direct people’s thoughts and emotions. This is a huge responsibility; one for which we didn’t realize we were asking, but being born gifted, with the deep desire to create our art, is tough and we have the choice to exercise good parenting or not. We can entertain while still igniting people to think. Just like the timeless films “Get Out” and “Us” by Jordan Peele’s films or the magnificent “Gravity” and “Roma” by our beloved Alfonso Cuaron… I guess that is how I feel about it and hope to get to do that! The good thing is that we are not alone. It is all teamwork, and we can only hope to have mentally healthy people around us, especially the power behind the power! I hope that we get to exercise our work in a well-balanced way for the greatest good of all.
NTM. How would you comment on the incident between Chris Rock & Will Smith at the Oscars?
MAGI: Ay Dios mio! No no no! Unsettling. It’s a pattern where someone who has worked hard to achieve success gets overshadowed by controversy. Some people can’t stand greatness and instead of supporting it, they try to bring it down. However, the aftermath showed that dramatic events can help convey important messages, as different people grasp concepts on different levels. Many were upset because the Oscars, known for celebrating high standards and great achievements, seemed tarnished by the altercation. Yet, I saw it as a powerful reminder that a man should stand up for and protect his woman, regardless of the situation. The silver lining is that true greatness shines through any challenge. Also, Will Smith’s performance remains outstanding, and his talent undeniable. He needn’t an Oscar to prove his worth; he as we all recognize his greatness and those plotting to overshadow his celebratory moment can’t take it away. The real question is, how will the conversation about parenting evolve in the coming decades, especially concerning the film for which Smith won Best Actor? Instead of focusing on the slap, will people remember “King Richard” and its impact on parenting and society? This event illustrates how the media can shape thoughts and influence future generations. I hope the naïve people understand that actors and films serve as channels for important messages, which are crucial for our collective growth and thriving society. I wish they would see that Smith’s Oscar was important to emphasize the overall message of the film, and that perhaps, the drama created around it was to get the attention of those who like drama and gossip. That the Oscar’s or any other of the most powerful and historical awards as beloved and as desirable as they are for anyone, they are a milestone that let us know that we have achieve certain level of greatness, but most importantly, awards are such powerful marketing tools that serve as stage to -hopefully- talk about the things that are really beneficial for humanity. These powerful stages are waves of thought which would hopefully plant good and smart seeds in the minds of the viewers.
NTM: Thank you Magi for such an in depth response. How would you comment on the scandal related to the foreign press & Golden Globes?
MAGI: Diversity makes us stronger!
NTM: Very well said Magi. Diversity definitely but also unity! Magi, could you please share with us about your debut film? What was the idea and inspiration behind?
MAGI: A few years before directing “Altitude Not Attitude,” I went through a major life upheaval: a breakup from a 6-year relationship, launching an online coffee and Airbnb business, which at one point was thriving and then lost it all, including my apartment, car and even my dog. I found myself taking the bus and train to multiple waitressing jobs and auditions. During this time, I noticed many people in wheelchairs or with mental disabilities on public transportation and the streets. This made me realize how grateful I was for my health and my heart was always filled with hope. I felt compelled to create something about how some deep wounds are unseen, the need for mental health awareness, and the strength of the human spirit. The idea of the homeless in Los Angeles existing in a multiverse kept haunting me, inspiring me to write sporadically. Fast forward to the summer of 2019, a friend introduced me to Michael, the subject of our documentary. I shared my troubled childhood story, the beautiful second chances life has given me, and of my recovery from a major life- threatening surgery with him, and he suggested we make a movie about it all. I felt it was his time to shine. Michael, a highly accomplished financial advisor, was ready for new adventures. He loved my idea of him speaking globally, writing a book, and filming his European travels. Just 10 days after the meeting, we assembled a crew, gathered equipment, and set off on a cruise ship with this seemingly angelic stranger. We explored his mind against the stunning backdrops of London, Spain, France, and Italy. Michael seemed so happy, and I wanted to share with the world how he managed to remain at peak performance, despite having become a quadriplegic after a tragic accidental fall.
NTM: Why did you decide to make your directing debut with a documentary?
MAGI: Filming with a clear message in mind helped me capture all the necessary footage, though additional interviews were needed. The process was like solving the most fun puzzle ever. We returned to LA with 12 TBs of footage. It had to be a documentary, for the free story- telling structure that is allowed in this format and the different cameras that had to be used, plus we filmed gorilla style, of course. I am so grateful that I got to work with a great color correction team. In the editing room the film took life. It was as if a higher power was guiding me; I was so obsessed that I would wake up so early right away, write on my notebooks by hand the things that needed to be said and then go look at our footage with the certainty that something was going to support the ideas. Also daydreamed of better or different cuts, etc. Altitude Not Attitude would be on my head 24/7 for 3 years. The joy of getting to do this work just went on and on. Total paradise!
NTM: With your documentary you won some major awards in the documentary field, could you please share with us about these awards? Which of the awards are the most important for you?
MAGI: Altitude Not Attitude won multiple awards such Best Documentary, Make A Difference Film, and Best Director and was official selection, finalist and semi-finalist on over 22 film festivals such the Spotlight Documentary Awards, Virgin and Spring Cinefest, including IDA, the world’s most prestigious Documentary Awards, and the Academy Award Qualifying Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival, LA FEMME, Orlando Film Festival, Social World, ARFF, the Universe Multicultural International Film Festival, etc. To be in an Academy award qualifying or the International Documentary Awards (IDA) or any of them has been such an honor! These awards are coming from people like me that had to sweat bullets in order to complete their films, and to get them to the audience…they know what it takes to make anything happen and to be recognized by all these filmmakers, and the audience, all the huge number of filmmakers that take to make each single film festival, is truly amazing and I am deeply grateful. Their platforms are great stages for us filmmakers to showcase our work and get noticed by the bigger players.
NTM: Magi, what stands behind your strong acting and directing skills?
MAGI: The great filmmakers and actors from whom one gets to be influenced, the amazing teachers, coaches, and mentors I have had the great fortune to train throughout my career, such Virginia Hernandez, Fernando Rodriguez Rojero, Roberto Sosa, in Mexico and in the USA Robert Cole and all my amazing teachers from the Lee Strasberg Film & Theater Institute. Being the fifth child, after my mother had 3 miscarriages, the books, TV movies, telenovelas, and my drawing pencils were my companions, as my siblings were already in their mid to late teens. My family was very humble. Somehow my differences caused me lots of bullying at school. My neighborhood was not a healthy place for a lonely child, and then dangerous for a pre-teen girl. At 13, my friend and I ditched school to meet cute boys at another junior high. Instead, we found a music class led by the vibrant Maestro Jesus Veliz-Ochoa—a short, bald man with expressive eyes and a white mustache. He disciplined the kids with a mere glance but made them laugh heartily. After class, the Maestro and three sopranos headed to a neighboring high school, and I secretly followed. Watching them sing from a window, their beautiful voices filled me with joy. They struggled with high notes until Maestro Veliz humorously suggested they had “loud little birds” in their heads—too much noise. The aria for which they were practicing was known to be of high difficulty, but while warming up the high notes were easy. Suddenly, he noticed me and invited me in. He told them, watch this, she knows nothing about this area and therefore she will just do it. Nervous but excited, I joined them. Maestro Veliz had me mimic bird sounds on the piano, and to my surprise, I did well. He encouraged me to attend class daily, planting a dream in my head: I could be like those sopranos! A year later, I sang in a concert, that aria. It was Mozart’s Queen Of The Night Aria, from The Magic Flute. For the next decade, we toured together. It wasn’t easy—Maestro Veliz, a humble schoolteacher, would drive us from our rough neighborhoods, feed us breakfast, and teach us with funny sketches on restaurant tablemats. He dedicated himself to us, without any financial gain, opening our minds to a life of art and beauty. Thanks to him, I escaped my tough neighborhood and embraced a life of music and peace.
NTM: Which projects of yours you feel are your favorite and why?
Magi: Carmen Miranda: The Lady In The Tutti Frutti Hat. She was a woman ahead of her time, who influenced me so much. To portrait her, I watched all her movies, read everything written about her and it was so much fun putting together that musical review. I literally had to wear so many hats due to the low budgets! Singing, dancing, doing some comedy, and drama, while producing it too! It was insane! Her passion, discipline, tenacity, commitment, and endless love for people took her to deliver her great performance until the end, even while having a heart attack in the middle of the song, she finished her number! She made Samba known to the world; she became the highest paid talent of her time. She was unstoppable. Altitude Not Attitude was a chance to get to do so much of everything that I had learned about filmmaking, during my 20 years on film-sets and theater! I was given the privilege to speak about the things that are very important to me. Plus, I got to check-mark several gorgeous European landmarks from my traveling wish list! I got to learn so much about myself. To share a message of hope while we needed it so much was such a challenge; the world was falling apart with the pandemic and then the manifestations in LA. But I had a movie to finish. Let me go back a little; we started filming in early July of 2019, and on December 31, my mother had a mini stroke; she fell and broke her hip. She was in the hospital for the whole month of January of 2020. I had the responsibility of delivering this film on time for the film festival circuit. So, I would drive back and forth from LA, where I was in post production, to Ensenada, Mexico, where my mother was hospitalized. A five hour drive each way. My mother’s last 48 hours were the longest I could’ve ever imagined, and I was the only one able to sit by her side, as my siblings were feeling devastated. I had to stay awake. As my mother was barely breathing, I played her favorite music from the golden era on YouTube. The songs with which my father used to serenade her. I was telling her “You are almost home, Mommy; you are almost there…” I didn’t know what to do but thought – this beautiful music might help. But you know how those YouTube commercials break in, and suddenly one pops up saying “If you want to go to heaven, you can use your airline points and go through Canada!” She opened one eye and looked at me as if asking me “Do I have points?” Two weeks after her passing, our Danny Trejo TV series titled “My American Family” started production. To have a semi-leading role in a TV series is an actor’s dream! In between cuts, I was dealing with my mother’s funeral, my siblings, lawyers, inheritances, and approving the music ques for my documentary. I was not going to be the one to hold up a film production! Victor Migalchan, our TV showrunner, and his awesome team had faith in me! They didn’t know anything about my mother. And the last thing you want to do is create more anxiety for a brand new tv showrunner! Altitude Not Attitude taught me that when we focus on something greater than ourselves, we get the strength to move forward. To see so many people happy and the oohs and aahs and the oneness that we experience at a big movie theater such as the Landmark in West Hollywood, during Altitude Not Attitude’s premiere is priceless! Later, when ppl with disabilities said, called, emailed, or shared in social media “I went back to school”, or “I got me a better job”, or “I proposed because of this film” It was truly rewarding. I guess this is one of my favorite projects because as my music teacher, Maestro Jesus Veliz-Ochoa taught us, our gifts are not for us to keep but to pass on, no matter what. The show must go on!
NTM: Could you please share with us which new projects are you working on, and which projects have you worked on since the successful release of the documentary?
MAGI: I am working on the amazing Deep Echo movie! It is a sci-fi adventure film about a fearless scientist who investigates the ruins of a Mayan pyramid hidden in the bottom of the ocean, but gets trapped in her floated artificial intelligence submersible, while trying to survive, she makes the greatest of human discoveries. It promises great cinematic wonderment and entertainment for the whole family. You may find out more about it on www.DeepEchoMovie.com I am the lead actress and producer on this film. It promotes and educates about universal principles such preservation for life below water, better opportunities for disabled kids, cultural preservation, education of quality, infrastructure and innovation, and equal professional opportunity for females, especially in the STEM fields. We are in the middle of financing it, so if interested in learning about the lucrative opportunity, let me know!
“Think About it” The YouTube Short form TV series is gathering so much attention. I worked on it as an actress, and what a joy it was to work again with these bunch of amazing actors Nick Sarando, Riki Yvette Westmoreland who’s also a writer in the show, Mark Ridley acting and co-directing, Mair Mulroney, TJ Myers, Vinn Sander, Brianni Walker, Sofia Chicorelli Serna, Michael Vaccaro, Rodney Damon Collins, Darren Campbell, Vinn Sander, Carlos Chavez, Chas Laughlin, Michaela Hudson, Michael Hudson, Anilah Asher, Miley Hudson, Madison Kincy, Landen Boyston, Corilus Desha, E.P. Evans, Loki D. Wolf, Emmanuel Royal! Executive Produced by JayBling and directed by Doris Hudson. “Big Foot Burger”, is a comedy in post-production, directed by the gorgeous Cindy Lucas, and produced by . The script was hilarious. I loved working with everybody in this film too. “Final Vow”, directorial debut from real estate investor Ruben Islas. It’s a movie about preventing human trafficking and has won several awards too. It was filmed in my beloved Baja California Norte, where I grew up and it was beautiful to get to work again with the local crew. I worked on it as an actress. It was co-produced by the beautiful Yennifer Berhens. “Street Living” produced, directed by yours truly. I also act in it. It is a short film/proof of concept that also won several awards, including Best Director, Best Acting Duo for Laurent Malaquais and Romondo Youngblood, Best Supporting Actor for Laurent, etc. “Ambush” the Mark Burman directorial debut with Aaron Eckhart, I was so lucky to mildly collaborate as co-producer. I also acted in several short films, including “Nobody’s Angel”, by the super talented Dawn Church, “L.A. Rush ” by John-Michael Triana, “Meet Los Parents” by Joey Medina, “An American King” by Sal Lemus, this on is a feature film. Also had a nice acting role and co- produced the short “Galaxies” produced by Tony Sequeira.
In an industry often defined by its challenges and barriers, Magi Avila stands out not only for her talent but also for her resilience and determination. As a Latina actress, she has actively sought roles that break stereotypes and showcase the depth and diversity of her heritage. Her performances resonate not just for their authenticity but for their ability to transcend cultural boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Beyond her achievements on screen, Magi Avila has expanded her impact as a producer, taking charge of projects that amplify underrepresented voices and tell stories that matter. Her production ventures aim to elevate narratives that explore themes of identity, empowerment, and social change, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusivity within the industry.
Off-screen, Magi Avila is a passionate advocate for social causes, using her platform to raise awareness about issues close to her heart. Whether advocating for gender equality, championing diversity in media, or supporting initiatives that empower youth through the arts, she remains actively engaged in making a positive impact both within Hollywood and beyond.
Magi Avila’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements; she serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and filmmakers, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to embrace their unique voices. Through mentorship and outreach, she actively nurtures the next generation of talent, ensuring that Hollywood remains a vibrant and inclusive community for years to come.
As Magi Avila continues to evolve her career, she remains steadfast in her commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and creating meaningful, impactful work. Her upcoming projects promise to captivate and inspire, reaffirming her status as a trailblazer in Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
In a career marked by versatility, passion, and a dedication to excellence, Magi Avila continues to leave an indelible mark on Hollywood. Through her compelling performances, visionary productions, and unwavering advocacy, she not only entertains but also empowers, shaping a future where diversity and creativity thrive. As she navigates new horizons and explores uncharted territory, Magi Avila remains a beacon of inspiration and a true trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
