Meet Hansel Porras Garcia | Actor, Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hansel Porras Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hansel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I don’t feel like I’ve ever pursued an artistic career. In a very personal way and without this sounding presumptuous, I feel that art chose me. I don’t remember a time in my life when I ever imagined, or dreamed of being something other than an artist. And I say artist, because I also remember that there was no path outlined since then. I have always wanted to do many things, or express myself in many different ways, or tell stories using various mechanisms. Without a doubt, my aunt Yamily Izquierdo Mesa had a lot to do with everything. She was a radio actress from my hometown of Pinar del Río in Cuba, and she took me to her work frequently. From there on, I fell in love with the magic of radio. Even today, whenever I stand in front of a microphone, my soul magically flies. I usually joke that there is something genetic in my family, because in general, we are all very expressive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very susceptible to questions that seek an answer in which I must define my work. I feel that my work is so broad and changing that if I define it now, tomorrow these words may no longer define it. Sometimes I act in theater, or in television, or in short films by other filmmakers who, like me, have a story to tell, or I lend my voice to a character for an animated film, or for a commercial. Other times I write stories, or I go back to that novel about my trip to Paris that I have been trying for years to finish writing, or film scripts, or I remain apparently calm, challenging my mind and thinking about what is the next story I want to tell and to film. Other times I venture to direct a short film or, at best, I get the funds to make a feature film.
So, I will say that I am an artist and that my main interest as a human being is to tell stories through emotions, words, images and sounds.
Currently, I am very focused on studying an important part of my identity that refers to that conjunction of the country where I come from, which is Cuba, and the place where I have decided to live, which is Miami. At this precise moment in my life, I am interested in telling stories that reflect the multiculturalism of Miami, especially from the Hispanic community, exploring issues such as sexuality, family, and the individual-society relationship among others.
I recently just shot my first micro-budget feature film entitled FEBRERO, which tells the story of two old Cuban friends who meet again in Miami after more than 40 years without seeing each other. The making of this film was possible thanks to a Cinematic Residency granted to me by Oolite Arts in 2021. The film was produced by me together with my colleague Sebastian Barriuso, and stars Cuban actresses Lili Renteria and Amarilys Nunez. “Febrero” is one of the greatest achievements I have made so far in my career and of which I am very proud.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The morning would be dedicated to touring Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. There are no specific locations. I always discover new places when I walk there. Then, we will have lunch at El Palacio de los Jugos. Then, we would go to Miami Beach to walk on the sand or just to sit there for a while to listen to the sound of the waves. We would enjoy the sunset sitting on a bench in South Pointe Park . In the evening, we would go for a walk along the Calle Ocho Boulevard, eat thai food at Lung Yai Thai Tapas, have an ice cream at the Azúcar ice cream shop and enjoy a good independent movie at the Tower Theater. If we were in the mood for Italian food, we would go to eat at the Amor di Pasta restaurant located at Blue Lagoon. I used to work there and I can assure you it is the best Italian place in Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am very fortunate to have such a diverse and broad support group. First of all my aunt Yamily, who sowed the seed in me. And with her, the rest of my family, who even without understanding the ins and outs of this profession, support each of my steps. My friends, I do not mention because there are many. I have many friends that I admire and love with all my heart. To my teachers, who today are also my friends. And last but not least, my boyfriend, who has been a fundamental support in recent times, whom I also deeply admire, and who, moreover, is capable of seeing in me more than I can see myself.

Website: www.hanselporrasgarcia.com

Instagram: @hansel_porras

Twitter: @hansel_porras

Facebook: Hansel Porras Garcia

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Suri Ruiz Additional Photos: 1. Ingrid Lobaina 2. Sergio Carbrera 3. Juan Luis Matos. 4. May Reguera 5-6. Alfredo Armas 7. [Personal] 8. Suri Ruiz 9. Sergio Cabrera 10. [Personal]