We were lucky to catch up with Angel Trinidad Rossell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Angel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Every project I join is deeply meaningful because I only commit to those where I feel a true connection. Each experience fits with the path I’m on at that moment, offering valuable lessons, intense emotions, and genuine moments of joy. If a project doesn’t resonate with me, I simply don’t take part in it.
Right now, my most significant project is “Uno y Medio Contra el Mundo,” a short film that will premiere in March at the Watsonville Film Festival. What makes it truly special is that it was created, written, and directed by a 13-year-old, Jacob Estrada. I clearly remember the first video call for the casting—I was surprised to see someone so young as the director, and despite my initial prejudices about what a director should be, I decided to trust his vision. Midway through that call, even before it ended, I had already made up my mind. Even though they said they still needed to see more actors, I was entirely convinced—I knew I was going to play Julián Cruz.
The moment I committed, I felt fully engaged and grateful for the opportunity. How often do you get to work with someone as young, imaginative, and free from social pressures as Jacob? I feel lucky and honored to have been considered and ultimately chosen for the part. Jacob pushed me to open up to deep emotions—even tapping into feelings I rarely allow myself to access naturally—and reminded me that cinema, and life, are about enjoying and playing, free from the constraints of adulthood.
Working on this project also made me appreciate the power of a supportive community. Seeing the dedication of the family, the cast, and a crew of over 40 people who believed in the young director’s vision reminded me of the unique energy that arises when people unite behind a creative idea.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I believe an artist can never betray their true calling. Art is immersive—once you forge a deep connection, you’re compelled to create, even when making a living through it feels challenging.
My journey began early. I started acting at the age of seven, landed my first commercial in third grade, and participated in countless plays and audiovisual projects. I even auditioned for a reality show for young artists at 12—despite my dad’s resistance and my mom’s insistence that I follow my passion.
After high school, I took what many would consider a “normal” path: pursuing a business degree, studying Mandarin, and working at an importations company. But after two years, I couldn’t ignore my calling. I told my dad I wanted to be an actor, left university, and enrolled in acting school—all while working as a model to support that transition.
Midway through my acting career, I decided to become independent. I was still very young and believed I could conquer it all. However, what I was earning as an actor and model wasn’t enough to pay the bills, so I had to start working in a company again and abandon acting school. That period left me feeling deeply disconnected from my art—so much so that I gained over 40 pounds during those tough years in Oaxaca City. After five long years, I returned to Mexico City. Just as I was about to make a decision that would have taken me even further from my path, an inner spark led me to check if my old acting school was still accepting students. It turned out it was the final day of submissions—just like eight years earlier when I first began—so I raced to my car, drove straight to the school, and was accepted into my final year. That moment was a crucial turning point—a time of healing and rediscovery.
Years later, I made another bold decision: moving to Los Angeles, the city I dreamed of as a child. LA isn’t a flawless paradise—the lingering effects of the pandemic, strikes, fires, and an ever-shifting industry remind you that challenges persist. Yet, it remains a vibrant hub where passionate, talented artists converge in pursuit of their true calling. Here, I’ve found not only a creative playground but also a community that inspires me. Although I sometimes wonder if I arrived a bit too late, I’m making the most of it by learning to adapt and evolve. Ultimately, I’ve come to realize that success isn’t defined by one place—it’s about the courage to pursue your dreams and the willingness to embrace change, wherever you may be.
I’ve also loved dancing for as long as I can remember, though I never took it seriously—especially in Mexico, where being an actor is already challenging, let alone being a dancer. But here in LA, I let that old, lost flame reignite. Dance has always been a powerful outlet for creativity, letting my body move freely and my emotions speak without words. Embracing dance has taught me to remain open to new inspiration and to live fully in every moment, enriching my ability to create authentic characters.
Currently, aside from acting, I’m working on several screenplays because I believe the stories in my head need to be told. I’ve always been drawn to asking tough questions and challenging social norms, because I believe nothing is absolute. For me, acting or creating isn’t just about playing a role; it’s about sharing a piece of myself and inviting others to see the world through a different lens. My creative journey is not only a personal passion—it’s a responsibility to inspire change and encourage reflection through art.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
During my early training, I believed that getting into a prestigious acting school meant I was already a great actor. The rigorous casting process had high standards, and being selected placed me among a group I considered the best of the best. I assumed that my acceptance alone was proof of my talent.
But once I was on set, reality hit me. I lacked the tools and confidence to truly connect with my emotions. At times, I felt like I was merely “acting” rather than performing with authenticity. Some of my early work felt empty—technically correct, but missing something vital.
Years later, when I returned to acting school, I approached it with a completely different mindset. The institution had changed—it had become more inclusive, welcoming anyone eager to learn. The old me, when I first joined this school, would have been skeptical—wondering why they’d accept “just anyone.” But by the time I returned, I realized how little I knew, and that realization became one of the most valuable lessons of my career. I learned that being an actor isn’t about proving you’re the best; it’s about having the humility to keep learning, always.
I learned to appreciate the unique gifts that each person brought—some had a natural talent for voice work, while others had impeccable comedic timing or raw emotional depth. Once I let go of the idea that skill alone defined greatness, I became a better observer, listener, and actor. I began to value what people offered rather than what they lacked. I also learned that raw talent alone doesn’t guarantee immediate success—in fact, it can sometimes be an actor’s Achilles’ heel. It’s the relentless pursuit of greatness, the constant thirst for learning and self-improvement, that truly defines success.
In short, the lesson I had to unlearn was the feeling of inherent superiority. Instead, I learned that humility is the key to growth. This shift in perspective has shaped not only my craft but my entire outlook on life—reminding me that every experience, and every person I encounter, has something to teach me.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is giving form to an idea—turning a creative vision into something tangible. There’s profound fulfillment in transforming something that lives only in my mind into a project, whether small or grand.
I know firsthand that turning imagination into reality takes extra effort and focus, especially since I often get lost in my thoughts. It can be challenging to move from concept to creation, but I remind myself of my childhood—using whatever was at hand, with a spark of creativity and a few brave friends, we built entire worlds. That same magic still inspires me today.
Ultimately, nothing compares to the satisfaction of materializing an idea. This joy of creation fuels my work, pushes me to overcome obstacles, and constantly reminds me why I chose this path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angeltrossell.komi.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angeltrinidadrossell
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeltrinidadrossell
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AngelTrinidadRossell
- Other: IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13271779/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Angel Trinidad Rossell, Photo by Matt Lee Morgan
Additional Photos:
1. “Uno y Medio Contra el Mundo” Short Film Poster.
2. “Things Will Get Better” Music Video Poster.
3. Angel Trinidad Rossell, Photo by Matt Lee Morgan
4. BTS “Uno y Medio Contra el Mundo”
5. Still from “Obsidian” Music Video
6. Still from “Sashimi de Labios” Music Video
7. Still from “Things Will Get Better” Music Video
8. Still from “Uno y Medio Contra el Mundo” Short Film