Promoting Latinos in the media is not an easy task, but Santiago Douglas is working hard at it, one movie role at a time.
The co-star of the renowned independent films "Girlfight" and "Time’s Up," is starring in the upcoming film "Punto 45." Shot entirely in Puerto Rico, Douglas’ homeland, "Punto 45" is a movie about drug gangs on the island and one man’s struggle to combat the violent ways of his surrounding culture. A demanding role emotionally, Douglas said the majority of the time, he ends up portraying complex dramatic characters in films.
"It’s been that way since I started acting. Every role I land I have to become an emotional mess," Douglas said during a recent interview.
Born in Puerto Rico, Douglas moved to Hoboken with his family at an early age. He attended the local elementary schools and graduated from Hoboken High School. During his scholastic years, he was heavily involved in athletics and the theater scene, participating in musicals and drama productions. In order to perform well, Douglas said he had to overcome one giant obstacle: his shyness.
"I never told my family I was in any school plays. I didn’t want them to know," he said.
After graduating from high school, Douglas overcame his acting fears. He took lessons at H.B. Studios in New York City and then went on to study with acclaimed acting coach Alba Oms at the Raul Julia Training Unit as part of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. The elite acting school became an integral part of Douglas’ development as an actor.
"She [Oms] taught me how to act professionally," Douglas said. "We learned movement, diction, and language on stage."
His widely recognized first television appearance was on an Emmy-nominated episode of "Law and Order." Soon other projects followed. He had notable television appearances in "The Sopranos," "Moloney," and "Third Watch." Douglas also had a lead role opposite renowned actress Angela Lansbury in "Murder She Wrote: A Story to Die For."
According to Douglas, his breakthrough role came in 1999 when he acted opposite Jersey City resident Michelle Rodriguez in the indie-hit "Girlfight," now available on video or DVD.
Directed by Karyn Kusama and produced by John Sayles, the movie garnered several awards at film festivals and was featured in the Independent Film Channel. In the film, Douglas played the role of hopeful young boxer Adrian Abreu. He found the part to be challenging physically. He maintained a rigorous training schedule for five months in order to become a featherweight boxer.
"I worked out everyday for that role. It turned out to be a film that promoted newcomers and Latino actors," he said.
Immediately following the success of "Girlfight," Douglas starred in the film "Time’s Up" opposite Argentinean actress Leonor Benedetto. The movie won Best Feature in the 2001 Amients French Film Festival.
"It was a terrific experience to participate in the project," he said. "Again I received exposure for my work."
For the past year, Douglas has been on location in San Juan, Puerto Rico shooting the independent film "Punto 45," scheduled for release in September. Directed by Pepe Orraca, famous for the film "Lo Que Le Paso A Santiago," the movie takes a hard look at the illegal narcotics culture in Puerto Rico, and one man’s journey to escape the cycle of violence and drug use. Douglas plays the protagonist role in the film, as the leader of a street gang who wants to change his ways.
"It was tough waking up every day and becoming a violent man with mental demons," Douglas said. "It’s a fascinating movie. We hope to get recognition for our efforts."
This year, Douglas will be touring film festivals in support of "Punto 45." He has already begun other minor film projects.
Soundtrack
In addition to being the star of the movie, Douglas contributed to the film’s score and soundtrack with two of his own Latin-rock ballads, "Vuela Gaviota," and "Te Necesito." Latin pop music virtuoso Eric Figueroa arranged "Vuela Gaviota," and Eduardo Montalvan wrote and co-produced it. The soundtrack will be available on amazon.com and cdnow.com.
Douglas’ first passion is acting, but he has always been musically gifted, he said. When he is not acting, he performs with a band in venues in Puerto Rico, or at Hispanic festivals in the tri-state area.
"Music is the best form of self-expression. I can still keep my acting roots, while I sing and perform," he said.
Douglas is presently recording a Spanish album with his production company Mundo Maravilla. The company was created with partner Melinda Esquibal and provides an environment where artists can freely create and develop their artistic talents.
Through increased media representation and public appearances, Douglas said he hopes to lend his talents and efforts toward a significant expansion of Latino presence within the movie and music industry.
"His passion for the arts has always been his foundation and redemption," said Esquibal during a recent phone interview.
Mundo Maravilla has started a non-profit scholarship program titled "PODER…for the love of art." Its mission is to provide scholarships for teenagers interested in acting.
"Several people helped me early in my career. Their guidance was a crucial element in my professional development," Douglas said.
When he is not involved in a project, Douglas auditions for acting roles in either stage, movie or television productions in New York City or Los Angeles. He frequents Hoboken to visit family and friends.
"Punto 45" will be shown at limited engagements in New York City in the fall.
For more information on Douglas and Mundo Maravilla visit www.santiagodouglas.com or www.mundomaravilla.com. q
Photographs by George Perkins