Giselle Fraga is an up and coming Brazilian actress, who is making her American film debut in the upcoming “The River Sorrow”. The film also stars Ray Liotta, Ving Rhames & Christian Slater and will be released this June. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Giselle about her role in the film and what is upcoming in her career.
Mike Gencarelli: What made you come back to doing feature films?
Giselle Fraga: First of all, I always wanted to live in the USA and work there. I keep saying that, I have an American soul. When I was 18 years old and I was working as a model, I lived for two years in NYC. Unfortunately, I had to return back to Brazil cause my father was sick. By that time I was starting with my acting career. I obtained my first movie role in Brazil and never stopped working there. So I had to give up of my dream to act in the US. Now after ‘’The River Sorrow’’ experience I found a manager in LA., Bob McGowan. I believe in him and I want to work in the U.S. but I have a life back here in Brazil. So I have to try and juggle both my career and personal life. When I have a chance to go there for auditions he will call me here and I’ll jump on the plane and go. I know it’s not easy but I have a lot faith in my heart that I still will do more films there and have a lot of experiences in my acting life. Also, it’s always a big challenge while acting to speak English, but I learn a lot as a human being.
MG: Tell us about your role in the film “The River Sorrow”
GF: Ana is a beautiful character. The writer Steve Anderson told me that she’s the heart of the movie. There’s a lot of violence and in the middle of all those killings, she symbolizes the love. If you see the movie you’ll notice that’s she’s also the light in the end of the tunnel. I had a 
wonderful experience playing Ana. I think it’s the kind of character that I wanted to portray. I learned a lot with her and I will take this forever with my soul.
MG: What was your biggest challenge while working on the film?
GF: When I read the script, I knew that she was a challenge to go through. Speaking good and understandable English was my biggest challenge. Also to be able to play with my heart and don’t be shy of working with the giants actors from Hollywood. In my humble experience, it was the first time for me as an actress. I left my whole life behind to live this character for real.
MG: How was it working with such a great cast, Ray Liotta, Ving Rhames & Christian Slater?
GF: It was the best experience off my life as an actress. All the cast was amazing to work with. They are all very professional people and it was amazing to see how dedicated they are to their characters. I learned a lot by watching them everyday.
MG: Tell us about your role in the TV Series “Uma Rosa com Amor”?
GF: It was a great experience. I played a bipolar character. It took me a lot to learn about this subject and how painful it is for someone to leave everyday with no balance in life and taking strong medicines to take control of their own lives. To portray it was really hard and a it is a 
great experience that helped me to opened my mind and heart to share my love with all those who need a lot of love to keep alive and surviving with this sickness. I love being an actress and having the chance to pretend that I am someone else and to do things that I would have never experienced in my life.
MG: What do you having planned next?
GF: Well for now, I’m waiting for the movie to come out and them I can send my scenes to casting directors. I’ll possible stay in Brazil and act in another soup opera that’s coming up next July. That is what is amazing about being an actress, is that you never know what comes next.
