Meet Juana Valentina Real, a resident of Cúcuta and the central figure in the upcoming short film 'La luz de mi ser,' set to premiere on March 8.
Unlike the typical path of runway models or television and film actors, Juana Valentina Real has not graced fashion catwalks or faced the lens of a camera. Described as somewhat elusive and cautious, she caught the attention of producer Josué Jaramillo Flórez, who saw in her the perfect lead for 'La luz de mi ser,' part of the project "The magic of Cúcuta."
Her moment of transformation was magical, she recalls. "I was trembling with nerves. I had never auditioned before, had nothing rehearsed. Yet, I was chosen for the role. I was simply spontaneous, original, just being myself."
Despite her pivotal role in the film, Juana Valentina remains hesitant about stepping into the public eye. At 23, she asserts that this will be her first and last stint as an 'actress without filters.' While embodying the character of Juana, she explores a storyline akin to her own journey. Much like the webcam model Juana in the film, she expresses skepticism about love and self-belief, intertwining the characters in a complex narrative.
The film's narrative follows Juana's transformation through light and self-discovery. Engaging in a dialogue with a photographer, she rediscovers the meaning of love, a sense of belonging, and understanding her true self—a magical journey that mirrors the real-life experiences of Juana Valentina.
The short film's trailer was unveiled at the Torre del Reloj house museum, offering a glimpse into the 15-minute love story between 'Juana' and 'Ricardo.' Notably, the cast comprises exclusively Cucuteño talent, featuring Juana Valentina Real as Juana, Julián Peñaranda as Ricardo, Paola González as La patrona, Mauro Fisher as Fernando, Gabriela Granados as Lorena, and Andrea Maza Montes as Lina.
Andrea Maza, who portrays the antagonist 'Lina,' shares her passion for acting and has undergone training in Cúcuta and various locations across the country. Her challenging role involves portraying an envious character making life difficult for 'Juana,' adding depth to the narrative. Despite the film's exploration of dense topics, such as the lives of webcam models, Maza emphasizes its family-friendly nature, highlighting the positive aspects and expressions of love woven into the storyline. 'La luz de mi ser' is described as a project that can be easily digested yet profoundly fulfilling.
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