Interview with Filomena Martins Jones

"Thank you for taking my interview Filomena Martins Jones. Most of my readers will not know you, so here's your bio: I was born in Malawi, Africa, one of the most beautiful places on this planet, to Portuguese parents, and I am 56 years young. I moved to the UK in 1992 and live in Buckinghamshire with my family. Besides English, I speak Portuguese and am learning Italian and Turkish. I have had roles in the following short films: 'A Safra,' a bilingual psychological horror; 'La Loba' (The Wolf Woman); 'White Water'; 'Eye of the Storm'; and 'Broken.' I recently finished working on a TV pilot called 'Betty's Bakery,'  with Jerry George. Bubblegum Club is a feature film based around a high school and the life of one of its students. This was filmed at Ealing Studiosand I will be filming for 'Jon Ghost,' a spy feature film, in the next month. You can find more about me on my IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13065051/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2.

1. Could you share a story that everyone should know about your journey into acting and writing?
  - I had an epiphany a few years ago while going through a really dark time in my personal life. I could either continue feeling sorry for myself and hating my life, or I could change its course. I sat down and thought about what I really wanted to do with my life. Suddenly, a repressed memory from my younger self popped into my head. I remembered coming out of a village hall after watching 'The Sound of Music' and telling my mother and aunt, "That is what I am going to do; I am going to be an actress." Unfortunately, they told me, "Don't be ridiculous; people like us don't become actresses." That ended that dream for me. This memory changed everything. I decided to follow my passion, become the actress I always wanted to be, and I found my happiness.

2. Can you provide insights into your current production project, 'A Safra'?
  - 'A Safra' is a short student film produced in collaboration with the Arts University Bournemouth. It's a Portuguese/English horror film, and the students hope to turn it into a feature film. The passion and quality of this film are incredible, and I'm honored to have been part of the cast. My role as Marisa became incredibly personal to me, and I felt I had to be absolutely true to her character's beliefs and culture. The story touches on child marriage and how some cultures go to extreme lengths to protect their way of life. The film's writers, directors, and producers, Aroa Fuentes and Joao Bonito Ricardo, despite being young, were highly professional and a joy to work with.

3. Could you talk about your ongoing movie or scriptwriting projects like 'Jon Ghost' or 'Bubblegum Club'?
  - 'Jon Ghost' is an ongoing feature film in which I have a small but precious part. It's a psychological spy thriller that delves into the dark side of working for an agency. I'm due to film this weekend in Sunderland and can't wait to see the final cut.
  - Bubblegum Club is a feature film based around a high school and the life of one of its students. This was filmed at Ealing Studios

4. What has been your most enjoyable project, and do you have a memorable story related to it?
  - My most enjoyable project would be working on 'Betty's Bakery.' It's a TV pilot by Jerry George, and I believe it will be an incredible series. It follows the lives of teenagers facing various challenges while navigating a village filled with gossip, murder, and mayhem. My role as Tania, the pastor's gossiping wife, was a joy to enact.

5. Who or what serves as your inspiration in the entertainment industry?
  - I'm a huge fan of Turkish TV and an actor called Can Yaman. He transitioned from being a lawyer to one of Turkey and Italy's most beloved actors. His journey is inspiring, and following his progress has taught me a lot. Of course, it helps that he is incredibly talented and handsome. Getting a role in a Turkish TV series is definitely on my bucket list.

6. Can you share a story about your recent work or what you have planned for the future?
  - I work full-time for a wonderful construction company, and then I come home and immerse myself in my craft in my studio. My plan for the future is to become a full-time actor. The time I spend on set, collaborating with fellow actors and crew, is precious and joyful to me. I love the hard work, the continuous learning, and the ethics of being an actor. I want to inspire others to find their passion and tribe, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Making stories come to life and entertaining people is my goal and dream, and every day, I work towards achieving it.

7. Which individuals in the entertainment industry have you had the opportunity to collaborate with?
  - My coach and mentor, Matt Zina, is an incredible actor and teacher who has guided me on this journey. Through him, I've had the chance to meet and perform for numerous casting directors, including Nikki Clarke. I'm also a member of the Uplift Global Network, where I collaborate with other actors, directors, producers, and writers, watch indie films, and share my thoughts and feelings about them.

8. Filomena, could you tell us about the charity you are involved with and provide a link for others to learn more?
  - I donate to a charity called CanYamanforChildren, which supports children's hospitals in Italy by providing equipment and care to help children heal and lead normal lives as soon as possible. Here's the link for more information: https://canyamanforchildren.org/about-us/

9. If there was one question I should have asked, what would it be, and how would you answer it?
  - The question: "What would you say to someone over 50 who thinks it's too late to change?"
  - My answer: It is never too late. You have to ask yourself one question: "Are you dead?" If the answer is "No," then it is not too late. Change your mindset, learn about yourself, your likes, your aspirations, and go after them. Grab life with both hands and live it the way you want to. As long as you're not hurting anyone, you have the right to be who you are, be happy, and make the most of the time you have. Life is shorter than you think, so go and live it!"

Agent:

MATT ZINA AGENCY

Evesham House, 1a Evesham Grove, Idle, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD10 8TNTel: 0330 2290105[email protected]

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