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Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive conversation with actor Edoardo Miranda, who starred in For: LiLa (USA), awarded Best Crime Short at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards. Miranda was also Nominated for Best Actor for his compelling performance. The film had its California Premiere at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles. Recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed).
On For: LiLa — A Story of Duty and Redemption
For: LiLa follows a Mexican-American immigration officer struggling with his identity as he deports migrants from the very community he comes from. His world shifts when a young migrant girl is kidnapped by the cartel. Quitting his job, he embarks on a vigilante mission to rescue her — a journey that forces him to reconcile with his heritage and humanity.
“It’s about his relationship with how American he is or how Mexican he is,” Miranda explained. “He keeps apprehending migrants until this little girl is kidnapped, and that’s when he quits his job to save her. It’s a big change of heart.”
Preparing for the Role
The role pushed Miranda into new territory. “It was nice working on something so different — I had to act in multiple languages and learn a lot of police skills, like firearm training. Each project is like a master class, because you’re constantly learning new skills,” he said.
Background & Voice
Edoardo Miranda is an American actor and writer from New York City, trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Brooklyn College. His experience spans stage and screen, from appearing in The Last Boy on Broadway (2022) to film credits including For: LiLa and Eating With The Enemy (2025).
He is also the author of the semi-autobiographical novel The Boy Who Laughs, reflecting on resilience and identity. Fluent in multiple languages, Miranda often brings linguistic and cultural depth to his roles — a skill that proved especially valuable in For: LiLa.
California Premiere & Audience Connection
The screening at Independent Shorts Awards marked the California Premiere of For: LiLa, offering Miranda the chance to connect with an audience in Los Angeles after traveling from New York. “It feels more relaxed here. People are nicer,” he joked, reflecting on the contrast with his hometown.
Recognition at Independent Shorts Awards
The jury’s recognition of For: LiLa as Best Crime Short, along with Miranda’s Best Actor nomination, underscores the film’s timely themes and the strength of its performances. For the actor, the experience at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards was also about community: he highlighted other works he admired at the festival, from Steady with Tate Donovan and Michael Paré to the Afghan short Siasar, which also premiered at the showcase and powerfully advocated for women’s education under the Taliban.
Enjoy the interview below, along with the trailer for For: LiLa , for a brief glimpse into the film.
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