Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Ferreira.
Hi Dani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, my name is Dani Ferreira. I was born in Costa Rica and grew up most of my childhood in Mexico before moving to Texas during my high school years. As a kid, I was used to moving around a lot and trying new things, but it hit harder in my teenage years being in a completely new environment and country.
Through those years, I was searching for something that could help me understand myself again. High school was challenging. Most of my closest relationships had been in Mexico, and I missed them deeply. Moving to a new country meant adjusting to a different culture, a different language, and even a new way of expressing myself. I did make friends, but the connections weren’t the same, and part of it was because I was still figuring out who I was, how I wanted to dress, how I wanted to present myself, how I wanted to exist in this new space. That’s when I turned to film.
Watching new stories gave me a sense of understanding and connection I hadn’t found any where else. I could recognize parts of myself in characters, in their struggles and stories, and it made me feel less alone. Movies became a space where I could experience and understand emotion differently than before, a place to explore identity and human experience, and a way to reconnect with myself during a time of uncertainty.
“Lady Bird” was the first film that truly changed me. Saoirse Ronan was the first actress who caught my attention performance-wise. I remember watching her and, for the first time, feeling curious about the work behind what she was doing, how she built that character, and what choices she was making to live in that story. Her performance felt natural and raw, but also deeply studied. She made Lady Bird feel like a real person, imperfect, layered, and completely human. I had never been so moved by a performance before.
More films that touched me and helped shape me as an actor were “The Glass Castle” (dir: Destin Daniel Cretton), “Booksmart” (dir: Olivia Wilde), “Little Women” 2019 (dir: Greta Gerwig), “The Edge of Seventeen” (dir: Kelly Fremon Craig), “Short Term 12” (dir: Destin Daniel Cretton), and many others. Each one showed me something different about storytelling, performance, and human connection. Watching actors fully live inside a character and bring truth to their roles made me want to do the same.
That’s when I decided to give acting a try. I didn’t know what would come of it, but I knew it felt right. Eight years later, acting has become more than a craft for me. It’s a way to share experiences and emotions with others, to give audiences the same connection and understanding I felt watching the performances that moved me. It feels deeply rewarding to know that my work can impact people in a positive way and make them feel something.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, not at all. Being an actor is not an easy road, and I was aware of that from the very beginning. I recently looked back at some old footage from my first acting class, and oh god, I was terrible. But at the time, I remember feeling confident in myself and knowing this was the right path for me.
The acting world is full of rejection and trial and error. You have to trust yourself enough to keep going and not let any of it discourage you. What I find the most challenging is managing that while holding big dreams, imagining yourself in roles you’ve always wanted or working with people who have inspired you. But that is exactly what drives me. If it weren’t for my passion for the craft, I wouldn’t still be here.
I also remember how easy it is, especially when starting out, to talk yourself out of things or forget to celebrate the milestones you’ve achieved. Younger Dani thought signing with an agent was a huge accomplishment. Now, with more experience, it feels smaller in the moment, though I know how significant it really is. Even other milestones, like booking my first short film (shout-out Scorpion Cocktail), to booking my first lead or noticing progress in my craft, are important reminders of why I started and why I keep going. I just love it so much.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
There is so much I would love to share when it comes to the experience I’ve had as an actor. Here are some highlights and recent work I have done:
Lo Que Dejamos Atrás (co-directed by Roberta Peña and Mateo Balda) SCAD MFA thesis film, filming this November in Savannah, Georgia.
Plot: This story follows Abuelito Fernando, an aging Mexican grandfather, who is trying to reconnect with his granddaughter, Lucía. This story captures the unspoken heartbreak of growing old alone and trying to hold on to nostalgic memories with loved ones.
My experience: I am truly excited for this new project. It presents new challenges and can’t wait to be part of a beautiful story that feels close to home.
Mea Culpa (dir: Isabel González Centeno)
Plot: Comedy-drama about María, a religious teenager who experiences an identity conflict as she develops sexual feelings for her friend Sam.
My experience: My first lead role. Playing someone completely different from myself pushed me to explore a huge transformation and deepened my understanding of character work. Mea Culpa has been selected for FICCMadero in the comedy category.
The Killer at 54 (dir: Issabela Ramírez and Santiago Martínez)
Plot: A group of six rich friends take part in their yearly game night. When the party takes a dark turn and things spiral out of control, their true nature comes to light.
My experience: My character was incredibly challenging and fun to play. This role pushed me to explore a darker, more complex side of performance. I also loved the entire filming experience. It was an incredible crew and cast.
N.A.T (dir: Byron Franco)
Plot: An AI humanoid (NAT) dating a reformed NAT hunter tries not to be discovered as a robot during a Halloween dinner party.
My experience: A six-hour film competition that challenged me physically and emotionally. Playing a robot taught me precision and creative control. Lots of improv on this one as well, which I really enjoyed.
Hospitality Rules (dir: Leola Judge)
Plot: My first television pilot.
My experience: This was an unexpected booking and one of the first times someone called me in without an audition. It was an encouraging moment that showed my work is starting to open doors and build momentum.
Scorpion Cocktail (dir: Zack Abdulbaki)
Plot: Two college students must find their way back to the U.S. after getting arrested in Mexico for purchasing illegal candy.
My experience: My first short film and first time on set. Zack believed in me when I had zero credits to my name, and this experience truly changed my life. Thanks Zack!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
A big part of being an actor is the connections and relationships you build. My parents have always been huge mentors in my life. Even though they aren’t in the film or acting industry, they do their best to learn about it and support me throughout my career. Having people who believe in you and your path, whether in the industry or outside of it, makes a huge difference.
I also want to give a huge shout-out to my acting coach, Deke Anderson. He has been working in this industry for a long time, and his kindness and teaching show how much he cares about his students. He has been the biggest mentor and guide for me whenever I’ve felt lost or had questions about the industry. I have never felt more confident in my acting than I do after taking classes with him. Having someone like him in your corner is invaluable. When someone else trusts that you have what it takes to succeed, it gives you a boost of confidence and security. I look forward to his classes every week.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @daniferreiraa__
- Other: https://imdb.me/DaniFerreira
Image Credits
3 photos modeling with a purple dress: credit to Dominique Carter
Headshot, main photo. I have a black crop top: credit to Deidhra Fahey
Photo of me smiling with a yellow shirt: credit to Canterbury Photography
Photo of me sitting down, with a white dress, looking forward, hands near my face: credit to Paulina Hinojosa
