Renowned actor John Travolta recently made a special appearance at the 12th Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama), where he expressed his deep admiration for the Latino community and his eagerness to collaborate with Latino filmmakers. Travolta, known for his iconic roles in films such as 'Grease' and 'Pulp Fiction,' shared his love for the warmth and humanity he has experienced in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
During the festival, Travolta discussed his involvement in the short film 'The Shepherd,' produced by Alfonso Cuarón, where he played a pivotal role as a mysterious pilot guiding a young Royal Air Force pilot to safety. Drawing from his extensive experience as a licensed pilot, Travolta contributed his expertise to ensure the authenticity of the aviation scenes.
Reflecting on his career, Travolta revealed his lifelong passion for acting and his continuous drive to explore new projects. Despite his illustrious career spanning decades, Travolta remains enthusiastic about taking on diverse roles and collaborating with talented filmmakers.
Travolta's visit to Panama also reignited his desire to work with Latin American directors, citing the profound impact that films like 'Black Orpheus' from Brazil and 'El Norte' by Gregory Nava have had on him. He expressed a strong connection to the storytelling and cultural richness of Latin American cinema.
As he interacted with the audience following a screening of 'Grease,' Travolta shared insights into his career milestones, including his pivotal role in 'Saturday Night Fever' and the influence it had on subsequent projects like 'Pulp Fiction.' He emphasized the importance of perseverance and advocating for creative choices that enhance the storytelling process.
Looking ahead, Travolta hinted at potential upcoming projects, including a comedy with musical elements titled 'That's Amore' and a personal fable he wrote that he hopes to adapt into a short film. Despite his accomplished career and numerous accolades, Travolta remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
As the 12th IFF Panama concluded, Travolta expressed gratitude for the warm reception and enthusiastic support from the audience, reaffirming his commitment to the art of filmmaking and his desire to continue making a positive impact through his work.
