We recently connected with Samantha Simmons and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Move Me No Mountain was such a meaningful film project to work on in Las Vegas, Nevada. Overcoming homelessness, the film follows the main character, Jenna, who goes on an emotional walkabout to find a new purpose in life. But don’t worry—it has a happy ending. The film really is the whole package: striking cinematography, an impactful story, and a talented cast and crew. Deborah Richards and her team outdid themselves by working with the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Shine A Light Foundation to gather up stories from previously un-sheltered people, and incorporate those experiences into the film. I was fortunate enough to portray a Las Vegas police officer in the film—complete with stunt work (and some cursing). You can catch me in uniform sliding into action at the halfway point in the film. That experience was so much fun to be able to use my martial arts background, and channel some of my family members—to bring a character to life. It was so rewarding to be able to work on a project that has good intentions and raises awareness of people in the un-sheltered world.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

With a background in martial arts and an interest in film, I am driven to use these skills for storytelling in cinema. I grew up participating in my family’s martial arts school learning judo, karate, jujitsu, and other disciplines at The American Budo Judo College. Since martial arts is a lifestyle, I have dedicated many hours honing current skills and learning new ones.

After receiving my arts degree from CU Denver, I dabbled in various career paths. Then, in 2020, I moved to New Mexico to follow the film industry. Working on various film sets, I’ve been able to use my versatile background to bring authentic life to every character or stunt I perform. Pulling from real-life, I’ve played everything from a waitress to a special forces agent.

I’m most proud that my martial arts background has taught me the discipline, perseverance, and quick adaptation to survive in a demanding field. The key to preparing for roles (and keeping fit between them) is to overcome the monotony of the everyday. The challenge is to develop the muscle memory in order to retain the skill—then execute a regimen to keep that skill sharp. I am always excited to learn new weapons and martial arts techniques. I’ve had the most fun practicing katana, sai, bow, spear, throwing stars, archery, broadsword techniques, as well as tactical firearm maneuvers. Even if the role isn’t martial arts related, the same discipline still applies. Whatever is needed to portray the character, I’m happy to learn a new talent to make the film a success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There is no “right” path in life. The plight of the artist is to suffer in silence within the walls of a construct, or to break free and risk leaving the safety of the cage.

I chose to stop chasing certain career paths with hidden glass ceilings run by nepotism and favoritism. I ceased listening to outdated advice about what I “should” do to create a stable career and financial success in a constantly changing world. As the cost of living exceeds the attainable income, those who work tirelessly 30+ years still cannot afford even the poster of the American Dream. After watching people struggle, I chose to do what makes me happy.

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” — Jennifer Lee

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

The surgeon, for example, is just as important as the creative artist for the success of the human experience. Everyone enjoys the arts, yet, we are not celebrated (or compensated) the same. It takes an intense cerebral fortitude to create a masterpiece in film or on canvas, just as it takes extreme disciplined focus to perform surgery. Sometimes the surgeon only purchases the painting as a mere financial investment instead of recognizing the passion poured into its success—yet, the survival of a patient (from an intensive medical procedure), took an artistry of the hand. Both skillsets should be celebrated and rewarded. The artist shouldn’t have to be a starving one, just as creativity should be recognized in medicine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @samanthavsimmons
• Facebook: @samanthavsimmons
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@samanthasimmons3711/featured
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8593933/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Actor headshot: Kezziah Casias Green Film still: Deborah Richards Red carpet: Maury Phillips