Connect with us

We Speak Actors

Actress Charlie Blackwood stars in toxic relationship drama ‘Sal Azul,’ a festival favourite

Published

on

British actress Charlie Blackwood, known for her powerful performances in ‘Matriarch’ and ‘Toxica’, takes centre stage in the new character-driven film ‘Sal Azul’. Premiering at the prestigious Monterrey International Film Festival in Mexico, ‘Sal Azul’ (which translates as ‘Blue Salt’) has already attracted critical attention, with Variety selecting it as one of the 10 most outstanding films in the festival. Featuring Charlie in the lead role as Connie, alongside actors Gustavo Sánchez Parra and Enrique Arreola, the movie delves into themes of manipulation and toxic relationships. Here Charlie tells us about the importance of encouraging emotionally healthy relationships, finding hope in darkness, and the joys of filming in Mexico, 

What’s the storyline of ‘Sal Azul’?

“’Sal Azul’ follows the emotional and psychological journey of two people trapped in a toxic relationship. My character, Connie, is in an intense relationship with a man who gradually isolates and controls her. “

“The film explores the dynamics of how manipulation can sneak into even the closest relationships and how difficult it can be to see the truth when you’re deep in it.”

“It’s a raw, emotional story about breaking free and reclaiming your identity.”

Photo credit: Cómplice Films

You play the lead role of Connie in the film. What can you tell us about her character?

“Connie is a complex mix of strength and vulnerability. As her relationship progresses, we witness how manipulation breaks her down. What I love about Connie is her resilience – no matter how far she falls, she finds the courage to stand up again. She’s a survivor, and I think that resilience is something a lot of people can relate to.”

What drew you to this challenging role?

“Connie’s arc of self-discovery and empowerment really drew me to the role. Her emotional journey is a rollercoaster, but what struck me most was her strength. Despite everything that’s thrown at her, she doesn’t lose herself completely. Watching her claw her way back to empowerment was such a powerful narrative. For me, Connie represents the idea that strength doesn’t always mean never breaking – it means knowing how to rebuild.”

How can this film raise awareness about toxic relationships?

“Manipulation in relationships can be incredibly harmful because it’s often subtle at first. It creeps in through small compromises, gaslighting and emotional control.”

“Unfortunately, many people don’t realise they’re in toxic dynamics until the damage has been done. That’s why films like ‘Sal Azul’ are important – they shine a light on these difficult issues and encourage conversations around mental and emotional health.”

What was it like filming in Mexico?

“Filming in Mexico was such an incredible experience. It was my first time working there. The location became an extension of the film’s emotional landscape, and the isolation of filming in a place where I didn’t speak the language mirrored what Connie was going through. It helped me tap into her experience and bring that authenticity to the screen. Also, working with the local cast and crew was fantastic. They were so welcoming, and while there was a language barrier at times, the shared passion for the project made communication much easier. The challenges we faced were part of what made the experience so unique and rewarding. It was fun, emotional and intense – all the things you hope for when you work on a project like this.”

Photo credit: Cómplice Films

What’s the target audience for ‘Sal Azul’?

“’Sal Azul’ is a film for anyone who has faced challenges in relationships or who has struggled to find their voice. It’s emotionally intense, but ultimately hopeful. I’d recommend it to people who enjoy character-driven stories with real emotional depth.”

‘Sal Azul’ is newly released on Amazon Prime Worldwide and Tubi USA

For more information about Charlie Blackwood, please visit:
www.imdb.me/charlieblackwood

https://www.instagram.com/charlieblackwood

https://www.facebook.com/CharlieBlackwoodOfficial

Featured photo credit: Oihane Molinero

Continue Reading
Advertisement

We Speak Actors

Marvel Actor Sebastián Capitán Viveros (‘Capi’) Stars as Series Regular in ‘Fightland’

Published

on

Sebastián Capitán Viveros, better known as ‘Capi,’ has quietly built an impressive international career, appearing in major productions including Marvel Studios’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Eternals,’ alongside acclaimed series such as ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ and the thriller ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue.’ He now stars as series regular Lazaro in the action crime drama ‘Fightland,’ now streaming in the U.S. on STARZ, with a UK release on Sky Atlantic and NOW planned soonExecutive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the series marks another major milestone for one of the industry’s most exciting rising international talents.

Having grown up between Mexico, the United States and Switzerland before establishing himself in the UK after graduating from the prestigious Drama Centre London, Capi brings authenticity, emotional depth and remarkable versatility to every performance. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his multicultural upbringing, working on blockbuster productions, landing the role he believes he was born to play, and why ‘Fightland’ represents the most exciting chapter of his career so far.

For readers discovering your work for the first time, could you tell us a little about your acting journey? Having grown up between Mexico, the USA and Switzerland before building your career in the UK, how has your multicultural background shaped you both personally and professionally?

The universe chose me to be an actor; there is nothing else that would sit right in my soul than living through the expression of my art. Growing up across different countries and learning several languages allowed me to see both the world and myself from different perspectives. Being away from my home country since I was five years old, theatre became my refuge. It gave me the freedom to discover who I truly was alongside my twin sister and soulmate, Ilse. We both found a sense of security on stage. My first acting coach, Judith Hall, taught me what it truly means to be a professional actor and helped me earn my place at Drama Centre London. That experience shaped me into the man I always dreamed—and knew—I was meant to become.

Courtesy of STARZ

Throughout your career you’ve appeared in productions including ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ ‘Eternals,’ ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ and now ‘Fightland.’ Looking back, which projects are you most proud of to date, and why?

“I went from serving Malaysian food in Camden Town to standing on a boat with Tom Holland and Zendaya in Venice while filming a Marvel production.”

That was my very first screen role in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ and it completely changed my life. It connected me to my higher self and made me feel aligned with my destiny. ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ was another unforgettable milestone because it was my first leading role. Filming alongside one of my closest friends from Drama Centre while portraying a Mexican lieutenant inspired by my grandfather—who was an admiral in the Mexican Navy—was incredibly meaningful. But ‘Fightland’ is on another level. The filmmaking, the people, the experience… It was one of the most profound, joyful, and unforgettable experiences of my career.

In ‘Fightland,’ you play Lazaro, a series regular. What attracted you to the role, what can audiences expect from your character without giving too much away, and what was it like working alongside such a talented cast?

The moment I read the audition scenes, I knew I was born to play Lazaro. An actor’s responsibility is to tell the truth, and Lazaro is my truth—apart from the criminal side! He’s a Mexican raised in the United States, and I connected deeply with him. Audiences can expect violence, strength, emotional depth and plenty of authentic Mexican swagger. Working with such an exceptional cast was a gift. Great actors elevate one another, and every scene became an opportunity to feed off each other’s performances. The showrunners, Damione and Raphael, as well as directors Otto and Seb, created an environment where I learned and grew in ways I can’t fully describe.

Courtesy of STARZ

Your role includes action and physically demanding scenes. How did you prepare for them, and what was the most rewarding or challenging part of bringing Lázaro to life?

The most challenging—and enjoyable—part was training with legendary stunt coordinator Will Mackay. We spent countless hours practising fight choreography, gun handling and knife work. 

“Audiences should prepare for intense action that will genuinely keep them on the edge of their seats.”

For me, preparation comes down to repetition. You rehearse until everything becomes instinct. Then, once you’re on set, you let go of all that preparation and simply live truthfully in the moment.


Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next chapter of your career, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance in ‘Fightland’?

What excites me most is seeing a future where I can continue doing what I love—telling stories through art. I hope ‘Fightland’ introduces audiences to my commitment as an actor and demonstrates my versatility. While I’m proud of my Latino heritage, I don’t want to be defined solely by it. I’m an artist, a human being, ready to play any role—to be vulnerable or strong, funny or serious—and I’m hungry for every life I get the chance to live through acting.

Featured photo credit: Courtesy of STARZ

Continue Reading

Trending