During my recent interview with on the rise actress Mika Abdalla, she graciously opened up about her path into the acting industry, providing valuable insights into her personal experiences and future goals. Mika’s journey into the industry started with a fortuitous casting call, igniting her passion for being in front of the camera. As a shy child in Texas, she found her voice and discovered a new world of possibilities. Mika’s passion for storytelling has grown and evolved over the years, fueled by the desire to create films that deeply resonate with audiences and elicit powerful emotions. From commercials in Dallas to landing projects in Los Angeles, Mika’s dedication to crafting impactful films is evident.

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve really grown to love how watching movies impacts me and makes me feel things. This has really inspired me to want to make films that impact people,” Abdalla shared.

Mika’s reflection of her growth as an actress highlighted her increasing appreciation for the power of storytelling as she progressed in her career. Mika’s journey highlights the profound impact that film can have on shaping perceptions and emotions, from the joy of acting as a child to the pursuit of roles that deeply resonate with viewers. Her perspective has evolved, emphasizing the significance of engaging audiences with genuine and captivating stories that make a lasting impact.

The story is set in Nebraska City, Nebraska, where they filmed it on location. This is the place where the director spent his childhood. According to Abdalla, he mentioned that the town has remained relatively unchanged since the ’90s.

Mika’s recent project, “Snack Shack,” took her on a journey back to the ’90s, immersing her in a small town setting that perfectly captured the essence of a bygone era. Mika had the opportunity to truly appreciate the unhurried lifestyle of Nebraska City, free from the constant interruptions of modern life. They were able to fully embrace the tight-knit community and the uncomplicated way of living. Mika found the setting and storyline to be truly authentic, providing a unique perspective on the allure of small-town America and the enduring appeal of timeless coming-of-age stories.

“Brooke has been the most similar character to me that I’ve been able to portray thus far. But I do think, in a lot of ways, she’s also different,” Abdalla shared.

Mika offered a glimpse into her portrayal of Brooke, a spirited and self-reliant character in “Snack Shack.” Mika discovered a strong connection to Brooke’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and observations. Mika strived to capture the essence of her own experiences while embracing the distinct personality of Brooke, blurring the boundaries between herself and the character to deliver a genuine performance.

Mika describes this film as a nostalgic reminder of carefree summer days from childhood.

“It would be really cool if I could make a movie that moved my parents to tears, not just because I’m in it, but because of the story itself,” Abdalla expressed.

Mika expressed her enthusiasm for the future, as she plans to delve further into the world of independent films and work alongside talented directors who are equally passionate about storytelling. Her dedication to collaborating with fellow creatives who value unified storytelling and a shared vision is evident in her pursuit of delivering powerful performances that deeply connect with audiences. Mika’s journey through the ever-changing entertainment industry showcases her commitment to her craft and her willingness to embrace a wide range of narratives. This sets the stage for a future brimming with captivating roles and impactful storytelling.

Credits
Photographer: Adam Hendershott
Glam: Kristine Lisman
Styling: Marc Eram