Eric James Guillemain in conversation with Sakura Ando
KALI REIS - Accept my offer: a forgotten world
Kali ‘s film MERCY is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
Kali in conversation with Eric:
EJG - What is your current state of mind?
KR - Mentally drained but ready for what’s next. Positively energized with a calm sense of urgency.
EJG - What Characters influence you the most?
KR - The misunderstood. The types of characters who own what they feel, good or bad. The ones that pull you into their minds so you can feel what they are thinking.
EJG - Before a performance or a fight, do you have a ritual ?
KR - Before a performance, heading into set or a fight, I use music to kind of get in the mind set. I make playlists for all my characters according to who they are, their backstories and memories. What I play in my trailer depends on what we are shooting that day. I make sure I separate myself from the character; I remove my piercings, look in the mirror, thank the character for showing up, say “let’s do this”, fist bump the mirror and go handle business.
Before a fight I make sure I speak to my mom either in person or FaceTime. If she’s there in person, she smudges me if possible. I love a chill locker room, music, jokes and chill vibes. Right before I walk out, I ground myself in purpose and gratitude for being able to fight for those before and after me. I welcome dancers and drummers to make a “grand entry” with me in solidarity as
I walk into battle both physically & spiritually.
EJG - What is your most precious or sacred tattoo, if you’re willing to share ? Otherwise, are you a believer ?
KR - My first tattoo is my most sacred tattoo. It’s of my mom’s handprint on the back of my neck. It’s her favorite spot to either kiss me or slap me lol! Under it is “IOOTOSH” which means “stand strong” in the Wampanoag Algonquin dialect. It’s what our Great War chief Annawon used to say to our people.I’m a believer of karma. I’m a believer of a higher power, the creator, energy & the universe and its laws.
ANNA VAN PATTEN - Egeria, I count the beads of childhood names , the book opens and shuts.
YUKA MANNAMI - Almost Tokyo, against the grain, only am I able to breathe
je sors du labyrinthe /
out of the labyrinth
ROXANNE MESQUIDA -
This is a gentle place
Where all beginnings weigh the same