May
28,
2021
Blue Miracle is a newly released Netflix film about the incredible true story of Casa Hogar.
The story of Blue Miracle is the incredible tale of Omar (Jimmy Gonzales) as we fellow his last chance to save the cash-strapped orphanage, he and his wife run. “Papa Omar” and his kids, alongside a reluctant “Moco”(Miguel Angel Garcia) partner with a washed-up boat captain (Dennis Quaid) for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition.
PPLA: How was your filming experience?
MAG: It was incredible. I mean for me, I’ve always wanted to do this. Its always been a dream since I’ve been a little kid, just being on set , and being in the Dominican Republic with all those amazing people (the cast and crew), they were absolutely astounding, how talented they were. Just being with such great people, and the Dominican Republic, it was so beautiful there, it was a great time, we had alot of fun on set.
PPLA: What was it like working with Dennis Quaid?
MAG: Oh, it was amazing. I mean, I learned so much from him just from watching him and being around him. His professionalism on set, something that I really took out. Just how much fun he had, and being on set. It really showed how you can be both professional and have a good time, to have fun while you’re on set. That for me, is a lesson that I take on, you know for my future endeavors. Just in terms of having fun, but you can still be professional and do a good job and you know really bring out some interesting stuff in the charcters.
PPLA: Did you know about Casa Hogar prior to doing this project?
MAG: No, I had no idea. When I read the script and found out about it, I was so intrigued. I went online and was watching video after video and doing research from articles and newspapers because it’s an amazing story. And just the orphanage itself is an amazing story. Its really, really incredible with the work that they’re doing.
PPLA: Did you have a chance to connect with any of the boys or people involved with the true story for filming?
MAG: Unfortunately not. But we did get to speak to Omar and his wife. They I believe came on set one day, but I was able to talk to them over the phone a couple times. The work thay they’re doing is absolutely incredible with the girls and boys programs now, with the amount of funding that they have now.
PPLA: Did you really get to fish, in the film?
MAG: Haha no, we didn’t really get to fish. But, I did get to go scuba diving, so that was the closest I got to uh, fish on set. But, that was really nice it’s a beautiful country.
PPLA: What message do you hope people take away from watching the film?
MAG: I really, regardless if its kids or adults watching the film, I hope they learn that with perseverance and hard work and alot of love, you know you can really achieve your dreams, whether its a big or small. It’s just that fighting spirit that Casa Hogar had, and the perseverance and love that they put into every moment, umm, so I really want the audience to take that. That if you continue to follow your dreams and you work really hard, that you can really do what you want to do in life.
PPLA: What was your favorite part of filming in the Dominican Republic.
MAG: I really loved the crew. I think it’s all really about the people who you surround yourself with and the experience you have with them. And, they were absolutely amazing people. They have such amazing energy there, in terms of their attitude towards life and you know, they’re incredibly talented. But it’s beyond that. I’d go into the costume room and there’d be music and dancing, and you know it still keeps that level of professionalism but it also you know, adds fun and positive loving energy to what they do. You know, its all around set, they’re dancing and I don’t think I’ve ever seen better dancers in my life, but you know its beautiful. We got to explore a little bit and you know, they’re memories that I’ll hold forever.
Fast Fire Questions!
PPLA: What is your favorite food spot?
MAG: Okay, well my family is Peruvian, I’m a mix of Peruvian and Spanish and I grew up in New York, I love Peruvian cuisine. There is this amazing, amazing restaurant in Los Angeles called Rosaline which is Peruvian cuisine and I try and go there as much as I can.
PPLA: NYC spot?
MAG: Oh my God, I’m a sucker for deli’s so a bacon egg and cheese will go a really long way for me. I don’t know if I can pinpoint a specific deli, I always go to my local deli when I’m there.
PPLA: What are you currently reading?
MAG: I just finished “A Little Life” which is an absolutely incredible book. I bought three more to send out to my friends. I just moved onto “Misery” by Stephen King and I love Stephen King, for some reason I hadn’t read it yet, so I’ve been finishing it up on set.
PPLA: What music are you listening to right now?
MAG: Well I love J Cole and he just dropped an album, I think it was last week, and it’s absolutely amazing. And I love his work, he really talks about something deeper than just the culture.
PPLA: Do you have any workout habits you’d want to share to any young actors or people in general?
MAG: I’m a huge soccer player, I’ve been a soccer player my whole life.
PPLA: What position?
MAG: I’m the midfielder so I run alot. Soccer is really my therapy, both that and acting. But with soccer I’m really just able to stay in the moment and forget about the anxieties that happen of everyday life and I’m really able to focus. The fact that I love it so much, thats what I would recommend to people, find something that you really loved. You know, I can’t go out for a run, thats not my thing. But, if I play soccer, I’m adding that running aspect, I’m running so much more than if I just went out for a jog. I would recommend going outside, and just working out, theres nothing better than that.
PPLA: What are you working on now/next?
MAG: I’m actually in Atlanta right now filming a pilot for ABC. It’s called Promised Land and its about an all Latino family vying for wealth in Sonoma County. I play Junior who is the youngest kid of the family, and he has many problems, but one of them being his immense amount of affluence and thats just a really interesting character for me to dive into, and see what the things, what that can do to a kid who has so much power and money. And yeah, thats it (laughs) thats what I’m working on now.
