Meet Arielle Diaz | Actor & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arielle Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arielle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As an artist, you are your own business. In terms of my career, there was never another choice for me. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and once I started acting, I never turned back. I’ve been doing them both for the majority of my life.

My whole self is dedicated to living a beautiful and fulfilling life. Acting and writing, for me, is the most natural and organic part of my life.

My next goal, besides bringing the scripts I’ve written to life, is to direct. I want to get my hands into as much of the industry as I can, because I’m so utterly inspired by it all. And I have a vision that I see so, so clearly for things.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m really excited about the projects I’ve been writing. Right now, I’m focused on a feature film I wrote, a female-led Western that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s the best script I’ve ever written, in my opinion. I’m passionate about bringing stories to life, and this Western holds a special place in my heart because this journey touches on universal emotions, making the story accessible and relatable to audiences everywhere. I’m fascinated by the human experience, and I’m passionate about normalizing the feelings and emotions that come with being human, so being able to showcase that through storytelling is a dream come true.

I’m also in the early stages of launching a production company with my dear friend, where we’ll develop more of our own work. Stepping into different aspects of the industry is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.

In addition to screenwriting, I’m also a poet. Earlier this year, I published a book of poetry and prose called Me, Myself, and Us. It’s a coming-of-age story about my most free, messy, and heartbreaking years. I’ve also written my second book, which I haven’t announced publicly yet. It’s about the hardest days of my life and how they led to the most healing and beautiful ones. If this book leaves readers with anything, I hope it’s the belief that healing is possible and that life does get better.

As for acting, you can catch me in an episode of the upcoming Hulu series, Interior Chinatown!

Now, has this journey been easy easy? Absolutely not. This journey has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but when you get to do the thing you love – it’s worth every second of it.

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way, but the most important ones:
1. I always say acting is like having a degree in the human experience. You learn so much about people, yourself, life, etc. Human emotion, and the why of people, becomes so much clearer, richer, and deeper to you.
2. Time takes time. Whew, this one is a hard one to learn but it’s so true. Nothing that’s for you will pass you (as long as you’re putting in the work), but timing for when things will happen is everything.
3. Comparison is the thief of all joy. Your journey will never be identical to anyone else’s and this career is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s all about the long game.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best thing about this city is that there’s always something to do! Every neighborhood has its own unique vibe, creating a true melting pot of experiences.

I’d start off eating at Gjelina in Venice. Especially if it’s the weekend, you must try their brunch. Their food, especially their brunch, is amazing.

Next, I’d pick up a canvas and paint supplies, set up in front of Griffith Park, lay out a blanket, and paint.

Afterward, I’d take a hike at Fryman Canyon.

For sunset, I’d head to The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu for dinner with a view of the beach—it’s one of my favorite things to do.

For drinks, I’d go to Laurel Hardware in West Hollywood. I’ve been going there since I first moved to LA!

If you have a weekend, I’d recommend venturing out to Joshua Tree for an incredible retreat, or Big Bear. The best part about California is that you can find beaches, mountains, desert, and snow, all within a drive.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shout-out to everyone who has supported my career—it truly takes a village. I especially want to recognize my high school, the Regional Center for the Arts, where my career began. The teachers there, particularly Raphael Massie and Dexter J. Singleton, believed in me so deeply that it helped me believe in myself. My foundation as an actor was built there in a nurturing and supportive environment, and I’m incredibly grateful that my arts education started there. It inspired me to dream big and instilled in me the belief that anything is possible.

Most importantly, I want to thank my parents, who have always believed in my success. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been crucial, and their belief in me has made all the difference. I truly mean this when I say this – their support is the foundation of any success I’ve achieved.

And last but certainly not least, I want to thank my fiancé Alexander. He’s supported me wholeheartedly since the day we met, never doubting me and always pushing me to step into my power. He’s truly the light of my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamariellediaz

Image Credits
Tom Borges, Justin Davidson Photography, Dante Yore, AJ Lovelace, Raul Aquino