interview by JANA LETONJA
With a magnetic screen presence, effortless charm, and a growing list of exciting projects, Gabriela Andrada is quickly establishing herself as one of the most promising faces of a new generation of Spanish actresses. Following her breakout leading role in Pídeme lo que quieras, the film adaptation of Megan Maxwell’s bestselling novel, and her appearances in Culpa tuya and Culpa nuestra, Gabriela continues to make her mark on the film industry, with upcoming projects such as Trinidad further showcasing her versatility and ambition. Beyond the screen, her natural elegance, distinctive sense of style, and captivating relationship with the camera reveal another side of her creative personality.
corset ERAX STUDIO
skirt ALEX VIDAL
shoes STEVE MADDEN
You’re part of an exciting new generation of Spanish actresses making their mark internationally. How would you describe your journey so far, and when did you first realise acting was your calling?
Acting has been a lifelong dream, and it still amazes me that it is my reality. I’m grateful for it every day, and it’s been going on for seven years now. Not every year has been good, of course. Being able to fully sustain myself through acting alone is fairly recent, actually. But every year has been better than the last. I think the recipe is a combination of constant work, self-improvement and wishful thinking. You have to be delusional about it. And you need to have some luck. I’ve been lucky to have been seen.
Your leading role in Pídeme lo que quieras introduced you to a wider audience. What attracted you to this project, and what did playing Judith teach you about yourself as an actress?
Pídeme lo que quieras was the first chance I got to play a main character. It was very exciting. I liked that it was a romantic movie for the girls and that the books were so popular. It was also very demanding emotionally. We were often behind schedule and I appeared in every single scene, so days were long and I had very little sleep. I wasn’t used to being so intrinsically tied to the project, the team and its workflows. This taught me a lot about my own resistance and the need to push forward and do your best even when you’re feeling low, or particularly because you’re feeling low.
The circumstances will never be perfect. That’s not a valid excuse. This profession is unstable and privileged. If you’re given an opportunity, don’t screw it up.
You’ve also appeared in Culpa tuya and Culpa nuestra, two films with passionate international fan bases. What was it like becoming part of such a popular cinematic universe?
It was a gift for sure. It was a wonderful opening for me career-wise, as well as a very light hearted and fun project to work on. By the time I joined the cast for movies 2 and 3, the first movie, Culpa Mía, had already been a massive global success. I couldn’t believe my luck, I still can’t. I’d hop back there any day.
shirt ADÁN HERNÁNDEZ
short DIAZAGA
shoes STEVE MADDEN
Your upcoming project Trinidad marks another step in your career. What can you share about the film and what made you excited to be part of it?
Trinidad is a very brave movie. Female western, comedy, adventure and gory action. It’s a mix of genres that hasn’t been attempted in many years, and certainly not in Spain. I’m very proud to be a part of it. It was way more physically demanding than Pídeme lo que quieras, constantly braving the sun, the sand and the dust, dirt everywhere and bones tired, but that’s what I love the most about it.
From the beginning, it felt like a challenge. I didn’t have many references for this role acting wise and I struggled a little finding the tone of the movie. My character is almost mute. And those things are what kept me searching and focused. I love the result. I love the friends I made along the way, my fellow cast members. Trinidad is a joyride.
As a young actress navigating an industry that is constantly evolving, what has been your biggest challenge, and what has surprised you most about yourself along the way?
My biggest challenge is fighting the negative thoughts. This industry is not for the faint of heart. It’s ultra competitive. Chances are scarce and the results may not even depend on you. There are no certainties and your ego receives constant boosts and hits. It’s not easy for someone anxious like me, always eager to find stability and control my future. There’s no such thing as control. I have to let go that fight. I’m happy to discover how now, slowly, bad news don’t hurt as much, and my sense of self-worth is more reassured than ever. Acting is a waiting game. You might as well make a nice life in that wait, far away from the industry. And then good things start happening.
Is there a particular type of character or genre you haven’t explored yet but would love to take on?
There are so many. I’d love to try comedy, dark comedy especially, and action/thriller roles. Also, horror movies. I get so ridiculously scared during horror movies that the only way I think I could overcome my fear is by starring in one and seeing it from the inside. And period dramas. I have done period dramas before, but I don’t think I could ever get enough. I want to play it all.
shirt and skirt DONA RALPH
shoes STEVE MADDEN
Fashion and cinema have always shared a powerful connection. What role does fashion play in your life, both personally and professionally?
For me, dressing up in the morning is deciding what character I want to play that day. Is it tender, badass, straight to the point? These are things that only I notice, and it might not convey anything to anyone else, but they help me do what I need to do that day. When it comes to acting, I don’t really see the character until it’s dressed. Each fashion style communicates differently. Only after I go through costume tests, I can fully embody the movement and spirit of a character.
With an increasingly busy career and growing public attention, how do you stay grounded and connected to who you are outside of acting?
I’d say I’m rarely not grounded and connected to who I am. I’m way too aware of how ephemeral everything is, and how important it is to be a good colleague in order to be someone others want to work with. If anything, the only times in which I struggle finding my footing are the final days of a shoot and the weeks after. It’s a mix of being too long without your people, too sad about this chapter ending and too connected to a story that isn’t yours. And especially, too sleep deprived. That definitely doesn’t help.
dress LAIAVAZ
shoes HUNE
Who or what inspires you creatively? Do you find inspiration mainly in cinema, or also in music, art, travel, and everyday experiences?
Literature will always be my biggest love and inspiration. Everything I’ve ever felt, someone has written it before. And that’s beautiful. I rely heavily on literature for character building. I also like to create playlists for each project, they help me greatly when I need to get in a specific mood fast. But there’s nothing quite like being aware of what goes on around you. If you look closely, you can find all the movements, reactions, dictions and emotional displays you could ever need to draw from. I love to watch.
When you imagine the next chapter of your life and career, what excites you most? Are there any personal dreams or ambitions you’re particularly determined to pursue?
I’m a big dreamer. Mostly, what I aspire to is being booked and busy, just like everyone else. But I also want to be challenged and taken out of my comfort zone. I want to get better and know myself better, which is a painful but necessary process that speeds up with every project I work on. I want to travel and learn. I want to write. I want to say yes. And everything else I can’t say, because the things you wish for when you blow a candle can never be said out loud if you want them to become true.
dress ZE GARCÍA
shoes SAINT LAURENT
TEAM CREDITS:
talent GABRIELA ANDRADA
photography JUAN MIGUEL HERRERO
styling SILVIA HIDALGO & ANDREA JIMÉNEZ
make up & hair INGRID TURIENZO BY ARMANI BEAUTY
