Interview by Paul Salfen
In the vast expanse of independent cinema, few films dare to blend the mysteries of the universe with the intimate struggles of the human soul quite like Star People. Directed by Adam Finberg, this thought-provoking indie gem follows a photographer on an obsessive quest for answers about her childhood UFO sighting. A promising tip arrives, but it’s complicated by a scorching heat wave and uninvited guests that throw her search into chaos. At the heart of this narrative is Connor Paolo, whose performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of belief, empathy, and the unknown.
AMFM Magazine caught up with Paolo to discuss the film’s unique appeal, his collaboration with co-star Kat Cunning, and the philosophical undercurrents that make Star People a standout. Paolo, known for his roles in projects like Revenge and The Resident, brings a grounded intensity to his character, Justin—a role that doesn’t appear until several pages into the script but leaves a lasting impact.
From the outset, Paolo’s enthusiasm for the project shines through. “The best experience is when you really love the people that made the film,” he shares. “You’re just excited to talk about your friends and proud of them.” He praises the film’s “worthwhile philosophy and perspective,” which elevates the promotion process from duty to delight. Working alongside Kat, whom Paolo describes as “a very special performer” and “brilliant and lovely human being,” was a highlight. “I’m very lucky to know them and call them a friend and be a scene partner with them,” he adds, hinting at Kat’s rising star power.
Paolo’s connection to the script was immediate. “I usually know if I like a script by the second or third page,” he explains, noting how films and scripts often reveal their quality right away. For Star People, the dialogue felt intuitive and natural, thanks to writer-director Adam Finberg’s conversational style. “It just feels like real conversation,” Paolo says, admitting he reads scripts aloud on first pass to test the rhythm.
Filming in the desert brought its own magic, particularly during night shoots. Paolo recalls a memorable moment watching a scene unfold under the stars: “The desert at night is so beautiful… He’s running through the brush screaming and pulling his clothes off. And I was just like, this is great. I really enjoy my life.” These experiences underscore the film’s atmospheric blend of wonder and intensity.
Beyond the set anecdotes, Paolo offers sage advice for aspiring actors navigating the tough entertainment industry. “If you love it, then just keep trying to do it,” he urges. Emphasizing community, he encourages collaboration: “You have more talented people than you realize… You can cobble shit together by yourself.” It’s a reminder that passion and persistence can thrive outside Hollywood’s gates.
When asked about his “Hail Mary” moment—a nod to co-host Drew Pearson’s iconic football catch—Paolo reflects on the inherent risks of acting. “Hopefully every moment on set feels like a Hail Mary,” he says, recounting a recent stunt involving a simulated stabbing filmed in one take. “You’re always this far away from everything falling apart.” What keeps him grounded? The simple truth that acting is where he feels most alive: “This is always what I’d rather be doing… I’m so much happier having footballs thrown at me.”
Star People isn’t just about UFOs; it’s a mirror for examining human empathy. Paolo hopes audiences will “examine not just their perceptions of people, but the story that led people to the place that they’re at.” He advocates for understanding: “Most people deserve a tremendous amount of empathy… They’re doing those things in an effort to be better people or want desperately to be seen, to be held, to be loved.”
On the topic of aliens—a central theme—Paolo is pragmatic. While he believes in the likelihood of extraterrestrial life in an infinite universe, he’s skeptical about contact. “People are pretty bad at keeping secrets, especially now,” he quips, adding a humorous doubt about government restraint: “I just don’t believe that the American government would encounter UFOs and not shoot at them.”
Looking ahead, Paolo teases his next project, Sheep Well, directed by the promising Kim Soto. “I think she’s going to do a lot of really cool things,” he says excitedly.
Star People invites viewers to ponder the stars and our shared humanity, leaving plenty to discuss long after the credits roll. With Paolo’s compelling insights, it’s clear this film is more than a sci-fi tale—it’s a call for connection in an often alienating world. Catch it now and join the conversation.
