Ali The Gran Finali
Interview and Photos by VIM Magazine Editor In Chief Jorge Lara (IG: @world.of.jorge /Tiktok: @worldofjorgelara
VIM Magazine makes its gran return wit the first of seven exclusive interviews. We start off with our interview with model, writer, actor, director, podcaster, photographer, and founder of the Desert Waves Film Festival (@desertwaves_filmfestival) Ali The Gran Finali (@alithegranfinali).
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VIM: You’ve worn many hats as a model, actor, director, podcaster, and photographer. What has driven you to pursue such a wide variety of creative roles?
Ali The Gran Finali: Probably my ADHD. JK. Like most artists/creatives, it is something we start as a child. Being creative is in our blood. There is no life without creating.
VIM: Can you share how your journey in the entertainment industry began? Was there a pivotal moment that inspired you to dive into multiple creative outlets?
Ali The Gran Finali: My journey began when I decided to leave active duty in 2021. My mom thought I was crazy to leave the military during the COVID shutdown, but I could not be swayed from my decision. I was ready to pursue the life child me always wanted. As to what inspired me to dive into so many multiple creative outlets is the fact that it takes a while to build any stability in one creative field. So, to keep the creative juices flowing you pivot a little but stay in the field of creating.
VIM: What role do you feel most at home in—model, actor, director, podcaster, or photographer? Or is there a way they all complement each other for you?
Ali The Gran Finali: They all compliment each other. Acting came first as a kid who took drama classes and participated in local theater. But once I left for college that was all put away to pursue “adulthood.” Modeling came when I moved to Las Vegas and after COVID. Modeling helped me feel at ease in front of the camera. Then acting came back into my life, which helped me be a director because I understood what it takes to be on both sides of the camera at that point. Being a photographer helps me visualize shots, composition, and lighting which is helpful with filmmaking. Podcasting helps me be social and provides a way to build community. It also helps me network and find other creatives and filmmakers to work with and make cool projects.
VIM: As someone with such a varied career, how do you balance all these creative pursuits? Do you find it challenging to switch from one to the other?
Ali The Gran Finali: I find it easy to switch from one to the other since they are all creative pursuits. I’d say juggling them all is more of a challenge.
Ali The Gran Finali by Jorge Lara Photography at SPCKRFT
VIM: You’re launching a film festival this fall—what inspired you to create this event, and what do you hope to bring to the Las Vegas arts scene?
Ali The Gran Finali: This is our second year running. We launched in 2024. We were inspired by the active indie film community here in Las Vegas. Our mission is to educate and elevate so we provide workshops and meetups to support our fellow filmmakers and provide more opportunities for their work to be screened in theaters.
VIM: What kind of films are you most excited to showcase at the festival? Will there be a particular focus on certain genres or themes?
Ali The Gran Finali: We really enjoy highlighting our local Las Vegas filmmakers and student filmmakers. We also have a filmmaker’s challenge wherein teams compete to make a film in 48 hours. The challenge lets those who are curious about filmmaking get to try it out and see their work in a theater.
VIM: As a filmmaker yourself, how does being a creator inform your vision for the festival? Are you hoping to highlight new voices or innovative storytelling?
Ali The Gran Finali: As a creator, it is always a dream come true to see your vision come to life. I hope by providing these opportunities through our film festival, more people are inspired to make films and bring more stories to the forefront of our world. There are so many creative and talented people in this world that just need a chance to try and be seen.
“As a creator, it is always a dream come true to see your vision come to life.”
VIM: What do you think is the most exciting thing about short films compared to feature-length films?
Ali The Gran Finali: Short films manage to tell interesting parts of a larger story in a concise way. You get snapshots with short films while full features take you on longer journeys. They each have their pros and cons.
VIM: How do you envision the festival evolving in the coming years? What are some of your long-term goals for it?
Ali The Gran Finali: One of our long-term goals is to become an Oscar qualifying film festival. We would love to bring speakers and top industry professionals to our events to help educate and elevate our filmmaker community.
VIM: Given your diverse skill set, how do you approach creativity? Do you have a process that you follow when working in different mediums, or does it vary by project?
Ali The Gran Finali: I don’t really have a process. I let it flow and go with what feels right.
VIM: What has been the most rewarding project you have worked on so far? Was it one of your own creations or a collaboration with others?
Ali The Gran Finali: I’d have to say the most rewarding project was “My Dead Friend Zoe.” A dark comedy film about veterans and grief. I found it to be very relatable and it gave me the opportunity to work with some of the greats like Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris. Plus, I was able to attend SXSW in 2024 and walk a red carpet.
VIM: As a director, what is your approach to working with actors? Do you have a specific directing style or philosophy that you believe enhances a performance?
Ali The Gran Finale: I am more collaborative when it comes to actors. If I picked them to act, I picked them for a reason. They are good at what they do, and I let them shine.
“I am more collaborative when it comes to actors. If I picked them to act, I picked them for a reason. They are good at what they do, and I let them shine.”
VIM: You’ve had the chance to wear the photographer hat as well—how does capturing moments with a camera compare to performing or directing? Do you find similarities in the way you approach each medium?
Ali The Gran Finali: Being a photographer is similar to directing. If you are running the shoot, then you have to direct the model or make sure everything is good in the shot. A lot of what makes a good photo translates to what makes a beautiful film.
VIM: Las Vegas is known for its entertainment scene, but how do you see the city evolving as an artistic hub? What role do you think it could play in a larger global arts movement?
Ali The Gran Finali: I see the importance of the arts growing. Right now, we do not have an art museum, nor do we give nearly as much attention to our artists as we do entertainment. However, that is changing. I have taken an active role with local organizations to help gain more funding to help develop the arts community. My role is to help the artist community grow.
VIM: What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in a city like Las Vegas, especially when it comes to the arts and entertainment industry?
Ali The Gran Finali: Las Vegas is a transient city. There is a constant coming and going of people. Learning what has staying power and benefits the locals is a unique challenge. A lot of focus is put on what entertains people who are here temporarily. It is a whole different ball game to cater to locals.
VIM: Who or what has influenced your creative journey the most, whether it be in Las Vegas or elsewhere?
Ali The Gran Finali: My parents were my first influences with being creative. Both my mother and father are very artistic and crafty. My mom is more of a painter and a writer while my father is more of a builder and tinkerer.
VIM: In such a fast-paced industry, how do you stay grounded and maintain your sense of self amidst the constant hustle?
Ali The Gran Finali: Great question! I make sure I’m always checking in with myself to see if what I’m doing aligns with me and my goals. If it doesn’t then it doesn’t happen. I’ve learned to trust my gut.
VIM: What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who’s trying to navigate the multiple worlds of entertainment and creative work, especially in a city like Las Vegas?
Ali The Gran FInali: Try all the things to find out what truly brings you joy. A lot of times we start one thing and try to convince ourselves that it is our new purpose in life. Then when the initial excitement wears off we begin to regret our choices and put so much effort into something we no longer like. It is okay to start something and then change our minds. Give yourself that permission and free yourself of the guilt that one thing has to be your thing forever. We grow and we change, that’s life.
VIM: How do you recharge or stay inspired when you’ve been working on so many projects at once?
Ali The Gran Finali: Drugs. JUST KIDDING. Rest is so important. It took me a long time to let myself truly relax and rest. I would beat myself up for feeling tired or unable to do a 1,000 things a day. My mindset towards rest had to change. A tired brain makes tired choices. It becomes more about survival. There is no room for creativity when you’re focused on surviving.
VIM: You’re the co-host of Mxr, a film industry meetup at Spckrft Studios. How did that come about and what has been your experience hosting the event?
Ali The Gran Finali: Noel, owner of SPCKRFT, had lunch with Will (BTSLV) and I to talk about his idea for having mixers to help people in the film and television industry network. We all liked the idea, so Noel asked if we would host. Of course we agreed. The experience has been amazing. I love seeing people from various backgrounds and who have varying degrees of experience get together and talk about what they are passionate about.
VIM: What’s one hidden talent or interest that most people don’t know about you?
Ali The Gran Finali: I can do basic ventriloquism. Other than that, I love to dance. I bellydanced and performed for seven years and have a soft spot for latin music and dancing.
VIM: Since you’re involved in both the visual and auditory worlds, do you listen to podcasts or music to inspire your projects? If so, what’s your go-to?
Ali The Gran Finali: I listen to more music than I do podcasts. However, I do listen to a lot of audiobooks. Inspiration comes from some of the most random things. Could be a Tik Tok video, a conversation, a shower thought, a dream, and so on. I would have to say my inspiration comes from current events and random conversations the most. But I do have a sci-fithriller that came from a dream.
