Actors Reflect on the Fragility of Their Craft at Las Palmas Film Festival

A conversation at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium explored instability and the creative process in acting, moderated by a journalist.

Generic image of a microphone on an auditorium stage, with empty seats in the background.
IA

Generic image of a microphone on an auditorium stage, with empty seats in the background.

A panel discussion within the framework of the 25th Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival brought together prominent performers to discuss the vulnerability and inherent challenges of the acting profession.

During the Film Craft Conferences, held at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium's Chamber Hall, several actors shared their perspectives on instability, constant comparison, and fear as intrinsic elements of the creative process. The conversation, marked by humor and personal experience, was moderated by journalist Carlos del Amor.

"It's a fencing match, but not a fight to kill; it's a fight to love."

a participating actor
The discussion addressed the constant exposure involved in acting, where one's own fragility becomes a tool. The profession was compared to the need to learn to handle a horse that, at any moment, can become unruly, or the ability to "surf" in a waveless sea, embracing instability.
The duality between the public image and the reality of the profession, often marked by precariousness, was also highlighted. It was noted that red carpets are a celebration, but they do not reflect the emotional vulnerability and economic instability that many performers face.
The participants shared their diverse paths into acting. While one felt the calling from childhood, another came to the profession late and almost by chance, after a career in advertising. A third actor recounted his accidental beginnings in a university group, dealing with shyness and the lack of an alternative plan. Despite the differences, all agreed on the importance of that initial impulse, whether driven by necessity, curiosity, or play.
Another key point of the conversation was the casting process. It was emphasized that casting is not only a test but also an opportunity for the actor to demonstrate their worth and establish initial contact with the type of work. The importance of casting directors valuing performers was underscored, and it was recalled that, although personal effort is fundamental, the final outcome of a casting often depends on external factors.