Amigos, get ready because today on When Zay Zay Met…, we’ve got someone super special joining us! We’re talking about the talented actor Ari Lopez, who at such a young age has already made a big splash in the film world. You might know him as Jesús in City of Dreams, a movie that’s making waves and tugging at heartstrings in theaters right now. We’re about to dive into his journey, his passion for acting, and what it’s like to star in such a deep and meaningful film.
From the start, Ari had a love for the arts. But did you know he kind of stumbled into acting by accident? While attending an artistic school—where they taught dance, music, and acting—he auditioned for a short film, just for fun, without knowing much about filmmaking. And guess what? He landed the role! As Ari puts it, “I fell in love with filmmaking and acting that day.” And the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the coolest things about Ari is how connected he gets to his characters. In City of Dreams, his role as Jesús—a mute character—meant he had to communicate everything through his eyes and body language. Talk about a challenge! But Ari nailed it, showing just how dedicated he is to his craft. In fact, he got so into it that the director sometimes had to reel him back in a bit. But as Ari says, “You have to give everything—your body and soul—to make the character feel real.” And that’s exactly what he does.
What’s really striking about Ari is his deep care for the themes in City of Dreams. The movie touches on the difficult subject of human trafficking, but it also brings a message of hope and the possibility of change. For Ari, this film isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a way to start important conversations and inspire people to take action. “No individual action can change this issue,” he says, “but if we all do something, together we can make a difference.”
And when Ari isn’t acting? Well, he’s got quite the love for music! His playlist might surprise you—he’s into bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd. It’s a bit “old-school” for someone his age, but Ari loves that vibe. However, when he’s on set, he avoids listening to music so he can stay focused on his scenes. Discipline is key!
So, if you haven’t seen City of Dreams yet, what are you waiting for? As Ari puts it, this isn’t just a movie to sit back and enjoy—it’s a movie that can spark conversations and make real change. And that, my friends, is the magic of film.
Until next time, make sure to tune into When Zay Zay Met… and keep supporting rising stars like Ari Lopez. He’s just getting started, and there’s so much more to come!
