MISS MARCH 2008

PATRICIA MOTA

After winning the Grand Jury Prize at CineVegas in June of 2006, the indie gem “G.I. Jesus” seemed to almost disappear. In late March of last year the film directed by Carl Colpaert (a former editor of Roger Corman’s and the producer of “Gas, Food Lodging,” “Mi Vida Loca,” and “Swimming with Sharks”) had a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and the Texas cities San Antonio, Houston and Austin. Despite critical acclaim, the important movie about the exploitation of immigrants, American propaganda and the psychological costs of war just never seemed to catch on.

Hopefully it will on DVD. Later this month, “G.I. Jesus,” a recent Polly award winner for writing, will be released via Westlake Entertainment. “‘G.I. Jesus’ is a brilliant collaboration of actual combat footage from Iraq and the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families at home,” said principal Westlake Entertainment executive Larry Cohen. “It is a powerful portrayal of the profound effects of war on our nation and the world.”

One of the individuals that helped to bring this deeply touching film to life was the lovely Patrícia Mota, an actress, model and producer of Dominican descent. Mota, who was also in Damon Dash’s “State Property 2,” co-produced “G.I. Jesus.” She was also nominated for best actress at the Baja California Film Fest for her performance as Jesus’ wife Claudia, his Dominican Princess.

Patrícia talks about her involvement producing the film, as well as her current project with Colpaert. She also discusses growing up as an immigrant in a house full of models and artists, and more in this springtime edition of Polly’s Pinups.

DOMINICAN PRINCESS

CCF: Patrícia, it’s a pleasure to have you as a pinup for PollyStaffle. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I wanted to start by talking about “G.I. Jesus.” This is a really wonderful little film you were a part of. Now, it’s finally getting released on DVD. How excited are you for that movie to get out there for people to see finally?

PM: I’m super excited that the movie is finally being released. It will bring a lot of well deserved exposure to an important film. This project allowed us to bring to light a lot of the problems facing many young adults and immigrants in America today.

CCF: I talked with you and director Carl Colpaert some at CineVegas a few years back and one of things mentioned was how you were cast first for “G.I. Jesus” and you helped choose some of the other actors, and you did so based on your chemistry with them. It ended up translating extremely well on screen. You were great, as was Joe Arquette and Telana Lynum, and it felt as though the three of you were a real family. If you could, just talk a bit about the whole experience of how this film came about.

PM: Colpaert was trying to decide on a topic for his new film, that’s when we both came up with the idea of writing about something that is affecting society. We decided on the war in Iraq and immigrants coming into America. Adding a love story to all this just made the story complete. Once we decided on the topic, I was told by Colpaert that he would write the female lead part for me. Upon getting this news, I immediately starting doing some location scouting, looking for costumes, learning more information on the war in Iraq, etc. Funny thing is even though the film was originally written for me, one of the casting directors at first thought that I would not work in the role. So I would like to thank them for doubting me and making me stronger. At the same time, I’d like to thank them for giving us the option to choose the cast from a list of such artistic and talented individuals. So thank you Sunday Boling and Meg Morgan (casting directors).

CCF: (LOL)

PM: (LOL)

CCF: Have you stayed in touch with any of the cast members since filming?

PM: Yes, I do. On occasion I still keep in contact with Joe (Arquette), Mauritzio (Farhad), Wanda (Rovira), Wes (Thompson) and Telana (Lynum). My heart goes out to Orlando Ortega, may his soul rest in peace and God bless his family. Thanks for making all those long shooting days a great and entertaining experience.

CCF: Yeah, I read about what happened to Orlando. He was shot right outside his home in West Hollywood. That is horrible.

PM: Yeah, that was sad. He didn’t even get to see the film. He was a great, great, great and fantastic person. Man, we clicked from the first time we met.

CCF: Currently, you are working on another project with Colpaert called “The Land of the Astronauts.” You’re an associate producer on this film, right? It’s still in post production from what I understand, but how is that project going and how involved are you as a producer?

PM: Yes, I’m working with Colpaert again and the film is actually in preproduction. The project is moving along very well and I know is going to be a great project.

CCF: Oh, okay. Will you be playing one of the leads? Have any other casting decisions been made?

PM: Sorry to say that I won’t be playing one of the leads. This time around I’ll be participating on the creative side of this film. As of now, no definitive decisions have been made regarding the cast.

CCF: What’s the overall story and vibe of this project? I read somewhere it was about a screenplay writer. Is that right? Give us a little feel of what “The Land of the Astronauts” is all about.

PM: Aahhhhhh, I would love to give you the low down, but you’re going to have to go see it when it’s released, but I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. It’s very interesting.

CCF: I see how you are. (LOL) I understand you were born in the Dominican Republic, but came to New York when you were 11. That’s got to be a pretty big change of culture. What was that like as a child?

PM: It was a pretty big change. It was a lot to take in. Living in the Bronx is completely different from living on an island. Everything here runs at a faster pace, but since I was young it wasn’t that hard to adjust. I love life in the states. Over time I have grown to love life here. I’ll always have a place in my heart for D.R., but for now New York is my home.

CCF: Your sister is super model Omahyra Mota, who appeared in “X-Men 3: The Last Stand,” your brother Omar Mota has done some modeling as well and your parents were artists. What was home life like being brought up by two artists with a couple of models as siblings?

PM: It was and it still is an extraordinary experience. The greatest thing is to have a family that’s always behind me and supporting one hundred percent of the choices I make. I loved growing up with such great artistic talent always around me. It’s been a blessing.

CCF: You’re heavy into art, right? You’re a painter and a photographer. Tell me a bit about your stuff. Are there specific things you try to say with your work?

PM: Yes, I am into art. As we talked about earlier, I was brought up in a household of talented people. This allowed me to explore my creative side, even from a young age. I love modern, surreal and abstract art as well as mixed media. Also, I am really into artistic photography. Taking a picture you’re able to capture, in one second, a visual and spiritual beauty it would take a million words to express. And that’s what I’m all about, beauty. Taking something seemingly ordinary and bringing out its inner light to share with everyone.

CCF: That’s awesome. What about acting, what usually draws you to the projects you get involved with?

PM: That’s a tough question. The qualities that draw me to a project are always different. I may feel like the story has a personal connection to me or it may be that I feel that the message is important. The cast, the directors, the amount of passion that is involved, all of these things play a role in my decision making. Basically, it’s about the feeling. I’ve got to feel in my gut that it is right.

CCF: Lastly, I wanted to get back to “G.I. Jesus.” What do you hope people take away from the film after seeing it?

PM: I’m hoping that people will not only see this movie and say, “Wow, what a great story,” I am sure they will tough, but also take a moment to reflect on its deeper meaning. I want people to enjoy the film for its worth as a great movie, but I also want them to think about reality.

CCF: Thanks again Patrícia. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing more of you soon.

PM: Oh you definitely will see more of me. I am just starting, but I’m going to be here to stay. Finally, I just want to thank God because without him nothing would have been possible and through him all things are. Enjoy what you do and always have fun with it, God bless. Always.

- CCF, March 2008