By Maria Esteves – September 3, 2012

Rubén Riós (RR) is a Spanish actor in film and television who lives in Galicia, Spain. A person who never set limits began his passion for acting at age seven after performing in a school play. Riós first TV soap opera role Libro de Familia (2005) and feature film Pradolongo (2007) was a success. He stars in a TV soap opera Matalobos.

In the U.S., Riós is a prominent actor through the New York City International Film Festival. His latest film VILAMOR http://www.vilamor.eu, directed by Ignacio Vilar premiered at the Third New York City International Film Festival 2012, on Saturday, August 11, 7:45 PM. I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Rubén Riós in New York during NYCIFF 2012.

ME: What inspired you to become an actor?

RR: At age seven, I was unable to focus in my studies and always getting into mischief in school in Galicia, Spain. Some how, an opportunity to perform in a school play for the first time arose and immediately I was inspired to explore acting. Someone in the audience also congratulated me and said, “Ruben, that was great!” At age 18, I began my studies in acting. I want to encourage people who have children that are anxious, who can’t focus in their studies, or difficult to educate. I went through that phase for a short time in my life. They simply need time, patience, and love in order to develop their inspiration.

ME: What roles pushed you to the public conscousness?

RR: Eight years ago in Galicia, Spain, I starred in a TV soap opera Libro de Familia that pushed me to the public consciousness. Director Ignacio Vilar cast me in his feature films Pradolongo and Vilamor. Now, I’m in another TV soap opera Matalobos. I can truly say, Libro de Familia, Pradolongo, Vilamor, and Matalobos made me a star.

ME: As lead actor in VILAMOR, what was your greatest challenge?

RR: The lead role of Brexio was a challenge personally and spiritually. When director Vilar offered me the role, I honestly said, “It can not work, I can not do it.” But Vilar believed in me and I accepted the role and overcame the challenge. I worked very hard. The role of Brexio is a coming of age conservative spiritual young man who aspire the priesthood. Actress Sabela Aran who played Sonia was amazing to work with. This was her first lead role. We evolved and mastered our roles.

ME: Any new projects soon to follow?

RR: In the U.S., I have a tentative project through the New York City International Film Festival. In Galicia, I’m involved in a short film Galaiques starring Farukko Fasuma, co-produced by my production company Cagueta Cogueta and Circo Cine. I’m launching a festival in my village Ourense Rios called Festival das Artes Escénicas http://www.festivalderios.es Abelardo Gabriel that showcase artists, actors, and musicians. This year we present world renowned musician Cristina Pato http://www.festivalderios.es/pags/artistas_convidados/cristina_pato.html and we anticipate 20,000 attendees.

My interpreter is doing a great job during this interview. I’m a hard working person and I like to learn new things. I assure you, in the near future, I won’t need an interpreter.

Thank you, Ruben.

For more information, visit: http://www.vilamor.eu, http://www.facebook.com/vilamorfilme