Here it is, the piece of paper that I worked for these last months. I have graduated from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles in Acting for Film. These last couple of months have been amazing and I never thought I would learn so much, meet so many awesome people, get the best experiences ever and feel myself more than at home in LA. I feel sad that this course is already over, but at the same time it means that it’s time for the real deal from now on. Here’s a recap of my graduation day.

The last brunch

It was February 1st and I started the day all together with my classmates. We went to the mountains of Topanga where one of my classmates was staying. It was a lovely sunny day and we had a brunch by the pool. We talked about everything of the past months, like our classes, what we learned and each other. We also made a pact to meet each other again in 2020. In Rome! Since we’re from all over the world we had to choose some international hotspot. I’m already looking forward to it :)

 

 

 

 

Screenings and papers

Then it was time to head over to ‘the glass building’ for the last time to see our final screening and for our graduation. We got a screening program with our movies and names. That was pretty cool. Then the two-hour screening started on the big screen (and the screen was pretty big to see yourself on :s).
They showed two movies of every actor. Mines were two short movies I shot two weeks before and I hadn’t seen them yet. At first it’s kind of confronting and awkward to see yourself, but the filmmakers did a great job editing/making the movies. So after a while I got used to it and I was okay with it. Actually, at some point I was even proud of my acting skills :) Then we got our Acting for Film certificate! So I can consider myself a real actress by now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the screening we went out for dinner with all the people from the acting and filmmaking classes. It was fun, but it was also sad because many people were leaving the next day. And I hate to say goodbye :( But I was glad I could enjoy LA and the people who were staying for a little more longer.

 

Final realization

These three months have gone faster than I could ever expect. The most important things that I learned are

– that I used to underestimate the craft of acting. Since I started to study it, I really fell in love with this craft and definitely want to pursue my career in the film/entertainment business.
– I came closer to myself due to the acting classes and feel more confident in who I am and what I do.
– taking care of myself far away from my previous home and actually started a whole new life including amazing new friends.
– making the most out of life and living my dreams makes me the happiest!!

So my advice to everyone is to do what you love, no matter what. Even though it seems like a big “dream”, it’s up to you to make it reality :)

XOXO Mariella KvO