The Networking Magazine caught up with actor Manuel Zopiyaxtle to discuss his professional and personal journey.
From school stages in Mexico to the bright lights of New York, Manuel Zopiyaxtle’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
We’ve always had a soft spot for talented people, especially when it comes to that elusive spark that sets real go-getters apart from those who leave things to chance. There’s something fascinating about the drive behind the dream, and Manuel Zopiyaxtle fits that bill perfectly. Hailing from Mexico and now making waves in New York, Manuel’s journey in the arts kicked off early, thanks to a supportive family—his mum in particular. Let’s be honest, a bit of encouragement from those closest to us can work wonders for confidence, and Manuel’s got it in spades.
Creative
Creative to his core, Manuel found his calling in acting, which led him from the stages of Mexico to the bright lights of the New York Film Academy. He’s been labelled a natural storyteller—something confirmed by those who’ve shared a stage or screen with him—and he thrives on making each story he tells completely believable. From acclaimed short films and stage productions to voice work, Manuel’s been recognised at international festivals, with standout performances in pieces like “The Mime,” “For Lila,” and “The Missing Kitchen King.”
Manhattan
Once settled in Manhattan, Manuel threw himself into the NYFA whirlwind—studying with top industry pros and building the kind of creative friendships that last a lifetime. It’s true what they say: sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. For Manuel, the real magic of acting lies in the details, and his mantra quickly became all about authenticity and specificity. His first short film, “Gothic Girls Are Right,” made a splash at festivals worldwide and marked a turning point in his career. Since then, he’s scooped up awards, tackled everything from gruelling winter shoots to fully improvised features, and proved he’s just as at home on stage as on screen. Genuinely passionate about his craft and always up for the next challenge, Manuel Zopiyaxtle is definitely one to watch—he’s got his eyes on the future and firmly believes art is what makes life worth living.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Performing
Looking back, was there a particular moment in your childhood when you realised performing was more than just a hobby for you?
When I was 14, I was performing in Aladdin as part of a theatre workshop—back then, acting was just a hobby for me. It was opening night, and the mix of nerves and excitement was almost overwhelming. Playing Aladdin was my first time in a lead role, and I took it very seriously. I was on stage nearly the whole time, fully aware that my family, friends, and even people who weren’t my biggest fans were all out there in the audience. But I realised I had to give my all to everyone watching, regardless of who they were. That night, something shifted inside me. I finally understood why acting meant so much to me: no matter the circumstances, you always have to give your best and perform at 100%. I thought, “This is a tough discipline”,—but I could see myself doing it.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Big Moment
Then came the big moment. I had to step into Aladdin’s shoes and take the stage for my first musical number. The excitement was there, but so were the nerves—I honestly thought I might implode. Still, I had to go on, and as soon as I did, I felt an incredible sense of peace—a force more powerful than anything I’d experienced before. Suddenly, the nerves disappeared. I felt connected to everything: the audience, the lights, the stage, even the darkness beyond. In that moment, while singing Aladdin’s song, I thought to myself, “I want to do this for the rest of my life.”
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Perspective
How did your move from Mérida to New York challenge your perspective, both as an artist and as a person?
It changed me a lot. New York is a tough city, honestly. There’s a phrase a close friend once told me: “New York is a city meant for strong-spirited people only.” I really believe that. Coming from Mérida, where people are always looking out for each other, everything felt different. Back home, everyone’s a bit more open, friendly, and welcoming. I love my country and the city I grew up in, so leaving was incredibly hard. When I arrived in New York, I quickly realised things weren’t the same. New Yorkers aren’t exactly friendly—they’re kind in their own way, just not warm and welcoming. If pushing you aside means they get somewhere two seconds faster, they won’t hesitate. I used to joke that if I collapsed on the street, not a single New Yorker would stop to help.
New York
That first year in New York was a real struggle. I felt incredibly lonely at times. But, bit by bit, the city made me stronger, more resilient, and more passionate. Eventually, I found my people and my community, and that brought me back to life. I rediscovered my passion and became relentless in everything I did. I took inspiration from the challenge itself—it felt like I’d managed to tame the city and merge with its energy. I became more committed than ever. It wasn’t easy, but I learnt to love the struggle and embrace the challenge. That’s what fuelled my life and my art. It lit a fire inside me, and I knew I wouldn’t stop until I achieved what I set out to do.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Creativity
Your mum played a big part in encouraging your creativity—are there any family traditions or values that still influence your work today?
So many of them. My mum and dad played huge roles in shaping the person I am today. Commitment, resilience, and a love for what you do—those were the big lessons they passed on to me as I was growing up. But above all, they taught me to be myself. Not to worry about other people’s opinions or what others might try to impose on me, but to stay true to who I am and always show my most authentic self.
They also instilled in me the importance of passion—carrying that flame with pride and love. They encouraged me never to shy away from what I care about, because it’s our passions that make life meaningful and push us to achieve more. I became a passionate person because of them.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Film Academy
When you think about your time at the New York Film Academy, what’s one lesson or experience that’s really stuck with you?
Professionalism might sound like a buzzword, but it’s absolutely vital. Whether you’re stepping onto set or meeting someone new in the industry, always aim to be the best version of yourself. That means being on time, staying engaged, and being responsive. Simply showing up isn’t enough—you need to be present in the room, ready to react, be respectful, and support those around you.
Wherever you go, bring an idea with you. Share your thoughts with the group; they might help, they might not, but what matters is that you’re contributing and putting yourself out there. The key thing is to take action—don’t just sit back and wait for something to happen. As actors, there’s a lot of waiting around, but if you’re going to be there for a while, at least bring your best attitude and energy to the job. It’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. Supporting each other and working as a team is what creates a truly collaborative environment. Staying committed to that sense of teamwork is, in my view, the essence of professionalism.
Impact
Is there a role you’ve played so far that’s felt especially close to your heart, or perhaps changed you in some way?
The Mime, written and directed by Veronika Hermann, was truly life-changing for me. In the film, I had to portray a street-working mime who was utterly exhausted by his circumstances. Many of the scenes involved genuine interactions with strangers and passers-by who had no idea we were filming. Often, people would ignore or even mistreat the mime—and that really got to me, not just as an actor, but as a person.
It opened my eyes to just how little attention we pay to those who make a living on the streets, and how isolated and invisible they must sometimes feel. The experience genuinely changed me, both personally and artistically. Especially in New York, where everyone is always in a rush, you rarely stop to speak to someone on the street. Playing this role taught me a great deal about empathy, kindness, and respect—not just for my character, but for every person I encounter.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – The Mime
The film also delved into sensitive topics, such as giving up on life. At the time we were shooting, I was going through a rough patch myself—I felt lost and unsure about where I was heading, even in my career. Working on The Mime helped me reconnect with my art and my soul. It reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place and reignited my passion for the craft.
How do you keep your performances fresh and authentic when you’re juggling so many projects at once?
That’s a great question, and honestly, it’s one I often ask myself. At the end of the day, this is my job—and I feel incredibly privileged to call it that. Whether I’m learning lines, preparing my character, working on my voice and body, auditioning, or editing tapes, it’s all part of what I’ve trained to do. Every time I step into a new character, I approach it with as much respect as possible, honouring both the writer’s vision and the character itself, almost as if I’m meeting a new person.
Respect
I have a huge amount of respect for the arts, and acting in particular. I approach my craft with a lot of care and passion, following a process that helps me truly connect with every role. Sometimes, I’m juggling three different characters at once, and it’s a challenge to manage them all. But I treat each character like a friend—you don’t forget your friends, or what makes them tick. I dig into the specifics of each project and develop a unique point of view for every role.
When I’m on set, I give it everything I’ve got. No matter how tired I might be, I always put in my maximum effort. I know how lucky I am to be a working actor, so I bring as much energy as I can, hoping it translates into a fresh and authentic performance. Most of the time, it does!
Challenge
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced on your journey, and how did you overcome it?
I’d say one of the biggest setbacks I’ve faced has been working with or befriending people who weren’t good for me. There have been times when I trusted people too easily, only to realise that not everyone wants to see you succeed—some are happy for you, but only as long as you’re not doing better than they are.
I’ve had moments when people turned out to be very different from who they claimed to be, or ended up treating me unkindly. It’s always disappointing and can leave you questioning yourself and your choices. I genuinely believe we’re meant to support one another, so when you encounter people who push you away or treat you badly, it can really affect your mental health.
I struggled with this, especially in a city like New York, where you can never be entirely sure of people’s intentions. These days, I’m much more careful about who I trust. Most importantly, I’ve learnt that while it’s important to have people around you, I also need enough belief in myself to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges I face.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Collaboration
Collaboration seems to be a big theme in your career—what do you look for in a creative partner?
Initiative really stands out to me. I love it when someone comes to me and says, “Let’s do something” or “Let’s create this.”
I believe creativity and imagination come from within—you have to truly want to make something happen. It’s inspiring to work with people who don’t just sit around waiting for a project to land in their lap. I enjoy collaborating with partners who are passionate about what they’re building, have a clear vision, and are mature enough to share the reins and let you help steer the ship.
Collaboration is something I genuinely love, and when you’re working with the right people, it can take you so far. Feeding off each other’s good ideas and energy always benefits the project, and that mutual spark is what makes creative work so rewarding.
Inspiration
Away from the stage and the camera, what inspires you or keeps you grounded in your day-to-day life?
What really inspires me is the question: “What if?” What if I actually achieve what I want? Success in this business is so subjective, and it’s never easy—but that’s exactly what drives me. When I wake up and remind myself how difficult it is to reach my goals, it lights a fire in me. I’ve always been drawn to things that are hard to get, and I think that’s part of the appeal. It’s easy to tell yourself, “It’s fine if it doesn’t happen,” but I always wonder, what if it does? What if I win, what if I get everything I’ve dreamed of, and more? That thought keeps me motivated. I love dreaming big and then actually taking steps towards those dreams, picturing myself achieving them. That’s what keeps me going.
Manuel Zopiyaxtle – Dreams
The other thing that inspires and grounds me is the people I meet along the way. I come from a place where so many people have huge dreams, but they’re held back by circumstances—money, opportunity, talent, or sometimes even their own families.
Whenever I step on stage or in front of the camera, I remind myself: “How many people would love to be in my shoes?” There are so many with a passion for acting who, for whatever reason, never get the chance. I do it for them—for those who can’t, and those who never could. I feel honoured and deeply privileged to be where I am, and I give it my all every time. The craft deserves it, and so do all the people who aren’t able to chase their dreams.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing the arts, what would it be?
Trust the process. So often, we feel rushed, as if everything has a deadline and opportunities might pass us by. I’ve felt that way plenty of times, especially as an actor—you’re always wondering when your big break will come. But the truth is, you can only do so much. I give everything I can to pursue my goals, but beyond that, there are things and people I simply can’t control.
Trust
Learning to trust the process has helped me stay calm, even in high-pressure situations. If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to hang in there, no matter what he’s up against. There have been moments when I felt trapped with nowhere to turn, but I’d tell him to keep going, to ride out the storm, and to trust that whatever happens—good or bad—is meant to be.
And most importantly, say yes to everything. If a project comes along and you know nothing about it, say yes. If the script’s great but there’s no pay, or even if the script’s awful and there’s still no pay—say yes. If there’s a short film shooting two hours away, or a hangout with people you don’t know, say yes. Take on roles that make you act tired, sad, or moody—just say yes. The more experiences you gather, the more they’ll enrich your craft and artistry. You never know, you might just find yourself in the right place at the right time and hit the jackpot. But you’ll only find out if you’re open to every opportunity.
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