Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) enjoyed chatting with Briza Covarrubias, the lead actress of The Stolen Valley (2022), available digitally from April 17th in Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution.
Let’s break the ice with a fun question: do you have an all-time favourite film and why?
Oof, that is hard! I have several all-time favourite movies, BUT most recently, I have not stopped talking about the comedy Bottoms and the thriller Leave the World Behind!!! Bottoms just gave me one of the best high school comedy ensembles I have seen on film in a long time! It was hilarious, smart and refreshing. Then, Leave the World Behind gave me chills…I was almost glad it was on Netflix! Because I got to pause and take in all the cinematography and performances…and go into existential crises. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Let’s break the ice some more: who inspires you the most?
Both of my parents inspire me the most. They are some of the most giving, multi-hyphenated problem solvers I have ever met. They inspire me to always look forward and use my surroundings to find solutions to any problem I find myself in.
Given its themes and powerful message, how did you react when you discovered you would star in The Stolen Valley?
I literally felt like I finally landed the dream role of a lifetime. I got to represent my community, speak on social issues I care about and I GOT TO DRIVE A MOTORCYCLE. Lupe is a badass!
Was any preparation required, or was there any inspiration for the role of Lupe?
I definitely had a lot of inspiration taken from my own experiences that helped shape Lupe. As an indigenous & Latino actor, I had a lot to pull from. However, learning to ride motorcycles was the least of my worries. It was the importance of learning about the Navajo Nation, the Dine people and language. I am forever grateful to have met and worked with our Dine Elder Carla Bea and a fellow Dine friend of mine, Charissa Wood. These women were the foundation of Lupe. Its not just learning about the history but also about the community and way of life. My indigeneity, although from a different tribe, helped construct a pathway to understanding where I understood or related to the Dine people and what was left to learn and acknowledge.
Your character, Lupe, has multiple heartfelt, dramatic moments, etc. Did you have a routine or method to help you gain the best from these scenes?
Yes! I always had a ritual before filming that started with the soundtrack I curated for Lupe and going about my routine as Lupe would do. This helped me separate and hold on to Lupe through the long day and keep creating her arc throughout the film.
Was it like working with the Director, Producer and Writer Jesse Edwards?
It was an awesome experience. It was my first time out of LA working on a feature, so I was truly immersed in his working style. He is incredibly talented and collaborative. Every time on set, should there be character ideas or a change in how he wanted to film, it was game on! I truly appreciated how open he was and invested in staying true and respectful of the culture.
Tell me a little bit about the main character, Lupe. Is there any key aspect about her that you find relatable or likable to yourself?
The willingness to do absolutely anything for family and community is a key aspect of what links Lupe and me. That alone is what grounded a lot of my choices.
While making The Stolen Valley, what was your biggest challenge while playing as Lupe?
I think the weather was the hardest challenge! I am a Los Angelina, a true Cali woman through and through. So filming as if it were mid-July while it was snowing in Kanab, Utah, was a magical and gruelling experience. But it taught me just how much I love what I do.
What was your most enjoyable moment while working on this film?
I think every moment where the entire crew was on set was enjoyable. I mean it. Allee and I have become like sisters and are still in touch and close to our crew. From our stylists Samantha Roe, Production crew Lee Thomas, Makeup artists Tiffany Hudson & Joscelyn, our incredible stunt women Juliene Joyner and Weixin Le, and so many more. We became a family; everyone was great to work with and learn from.
You share the screen with actress Allee Sutton Heathcoat, and the chemistry you both have for the entire duration is enlightening, playful and fun. Did you enjoy working with her behind the scenes?
ABSOLUTELY! She’s my Gemini from another mister! And I know it cannot be the last time we work together.
As our interview ends, why should the people of Australia and New Zealand watch The Stolen Valley on Digital from April 17th?
It’s an adventure-packed film that truly and truthfully shows a different side to the American Western! People will see themselves represented for the very first time in a way never done before!
12th April 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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