Not only do I carry the hopes and dreams of both my parents, but most likely, just like you, I am an American Dream.  Perhaps, we don’t share the same religious or political views. I’m very much ok with that and so grateful to live in a country that allows us all to freely voice our different opinions and beliefs.Today, however, I would like to “take the liberty” to speak to you on a universal level, that despite our differences, we can all appreciate and understand.

Love and Friendship.

I’m grateful that when I initially read the script for ‘My Heart – Ya Albi‘, I didn’t comprehend it as a story about politics or religion. I’m easily turned off by what separates us and much more interested in what unites and connects us.

For me, it was simply a kind-hearted story about friendship and how the most unlikely of people can come into your life and not only expand your mind, but more importantly, expand your heart. How often times, we intend to help someone else, then realize how much they’ve really helped us. How our privileges can quickly turn into our poison, until someone less-fortunate forces you to get out of your own head and into their hearts.

Wanetah Walmsley & Diana Rose as Julie & Aya in My Heart – Ya Albi

The brilliant Diana Rose sent me a card the other day and inside she wrote, “They say Art imitates life. Well, in this case, life imitates art.” She meant it regarding our friendship and another amazing, serendipitous event in her life. That statement also ended up pertaining to our film. I’m sure our incredible director, Christine W Chen, didn’t realize how relevant and timely this film would be when she decided to tell a story dedicated to her immigrant parents. The fact that life can imitate art gives testimony to how meaningful and powerful our work as artists can be and reminds me that with this great gift to create and express, also comes great responsibility.

I have dreamed of winning an Oscar for as long as I can remember dreaming about anything! What an honor that would be! However, I must say, having the ability to tell stories that inspire, encourage, and expand our capacity to love is already the highest honor I, as an actor, can achieve.

Thank you so much Christine for allowing me to be a small part of this huge honor. Congratulations to everyone at the Moth to Flame family, the crew, and fellow cast members. It has been a true privilege and pleasure to work with all of you.

To all of you FB friends out there who would like to support us on our way to the Academy (wow…just saying that…mind blown), please love us, like us, and share us through all your many social media platforms. And as always, thanks so much for the love and your continued support!!

Love is blind. Friendship closes it’s eyes.