Felipe Otaño became a recognized face thanks to his role as Carlos Páez in 'The Snow Society'. After his participation in this Oscar-nominated film, the Argentine actor's life took a 180-degree turn, to the point of becoming a sensation on social networks. La República spoke exclusively with the actor about an unmissable event in Lima in which he will participate along with other members of the cast of the Netflix film.
How did Felipe Otaño experience the boom of 'The Snow Society'?
—The film was a success and the case was already well known in Latin America because, in one way or another, people heard about the accident or saw the films, but did you expect this level of recognition and impact? It was crazy in the first months of the year.
—No, it was incredible. In the process, we considered a thousand options of things that could happen, but we never expected such a massive explosion on the networks, especially among such a young audience. We imagined that the film could be a success because it was a very ambitious, very large production, with a director and a story that is known to be incredible. But We never imagined it would have such an impact on adolescent audiences. I thought we would be just another part and that we would get lost in the immensity of the film, but it turned out that we were the product.
—I was able to see the film in the cinema during the time it was in theaters and I was surprised to see very young girls, even wearing the Uruguay shirt, going to see the feature film.
—How nice! Although it is a platform film that has been so successful in theaters, even if it does not have the movement that a film made specifically for them has, it is beautiful. Taking the public to the cinema, for me, is something incredible and this film is so rhythmic that it is good to experience it in a group. For me, that is the best way to enjoy it.
—How much did your life change after the film? I saw that you had several quite intense encounters with fans who recognized you on the street…
—It is strong because it was unexpected, it changed my life. Out of nowhere, I became a public person and I'm learning to carry that forward. All I get is affection, and sometimes the nervousness and admiration makes it a little rough, but it's nice. It is recognition for a work that I am very proud of. It changed my life and the way I move around the street, but I'm happy.
How did Felipe Otaño prepare for 'The Snow Society'?
—You played Carlitos Páez and you were able to meet him and interact with him, what was this experience like? How much did he contribute to your performance in the film?
—Knowing him, I was able to understand what he is like as a person and, from there, bring that to the character. I spoke with him yesterday, we talk every week, we see each other when he comes to Argentina or if I go to Uruguay. The bond remained and we love each other very much. It is so powerful to tell someone's story that there is something that is forged.
—Did you ask him specific things about the scenes?
—Yes, I asked him how he did it… I'm a nail disorder, I cut them at the touch of a button. I remember her saying: 'God, so many days in the mountains.' And he told me: 'Hey, there were pliers, but I ate them all the time, because we didn't have anything to eat.' So, I watched the whole movie… (he makes a gesture of biting his nails) and I hated it because it bothers me how the nail looks when you bite it.
—He appeared in the movie, right? He plays his father.
—He plays his father and his story is incredible. All the families have incredible stories, but their father is a very internationally recognized artist from Uruguay, who never gave up the search, he moved throughout Chile and that is a bit why the mule driver when he saw them did not think they were two hippies. walking around, but I had heard that Carlitos' father told the story of some Uruguayans who had fallen in the Andes.
—I heard that you took something from the set and gave it to Carlitos Páez, what can you tell us about this?
—Shhhh (laughs) Yes, when you film you usually take something with you as a souvenir. And when they rescued them, everyone took something and Carlitos took three belts from the plane because he says that his mother had a car that, in the back seats, did not have belts and that's why he took them. So, on the last day of filming I took the belts, I have two at home and one I gave to him with some photos of the filming.
—You directed a short film that you published at the beginning of this year, do you feel that your vision of acting changed in some way now that you were also able to direct?
—I have been studying film since before 2019. I lived the entire experience as an actor during filming, but you are constantly absorbing being on a front-line set. I filmed the short in July 2023… the short is not mine, it belongs to a group that did an incredible job, but I directed it. And yes, I feel like I came back with an experience that is great and that I can get the most out of and that I love. Now I understand acting from another side, it's good to be able to know both sides of the camera.
—How did you feel when the film arrived at the Oscars?
—The joke they made me when I was a kid and started acting was: 'Hey, when you get to the Oscars, don't forget about me' and, out of nowhere, I arrived. Without thinking much about it, we were in a film that was nominated and then had to not win, how could it have won, but the beautiful thing is the recognition and everything it generated in people. Having been on the shortlist is something beautiful.
—The last thing you have left as a group is the Platinum Awards, what are your expectations for this event?
—I'm going to go to the Platinum. First I'm going to Peru, where we have the talk that will be great for those who want to meet us and hear a little about our filming experiences in first person. Eight of us from the cast are going to give a question and answer talk, and then I'm going to Mexico for the Platinum Awards. I'm very happy.
—There is a lot of expectation for the Lima event. They released more tickets for the meet & greet because they sold out quickly.
—Yes, they flew. I am very happy for the love we received from Peru from the beginning and being able to go and meet them is very gratifying.
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