Directly from southern Paraguay comes actress Andy Romero, a former lawyer who transformed her life into a journey of art in cinema and theatre. She was the first Paraguayan to work with Netflix in the the acclaimed Brazilian series The Mechanism (O Mecanismo), returning to the platform in 2024 for a second role in Criminal Code (DNA Do Crime). Born and raised in Encarnación, Andy studied law and worked as a lawyer for more than a decade, before making a life-changing step into acting.
Her story is one of reinvention, resilience, and passion for culture. She sits with The Asunción Times to revisit her journey: from law to acting, her collaboration with Netflix, her work as director, screenwriter, and producer. And her hopes for the Paraguayan film and theatre industry.
From law to acting
The change from being a lawyer to an actress was a key moment for Andy. “I loved being a lawyer, but I wondered: are you going to do this forever, or are you going to take a risk?,” she recalls. “And it worked and continues to work for me.”
After more than ten years of practising law, Andy Romero began acting at 36. “I thought it was too late. But then I discovered I came just in time. Acting connects you with humanity, with your own and others’ experiences. When it was my turn to play a character, I already had a whole reservoir to draw from. That is what acting is about, and art too.”
She describes the actor’s “toolbox” as a collection of everything lived, read, and travelled. “When building a character, you go to that toolbox and grab what you need.”
Breaking ground with Netflix
Andy first appeared in The Mechanism, a Brazilian Netflix series based on the Lava Jato scandal. This was a landmark anti-corruption probe in Brazil in 2014. “Acting in this series was a big challenge, but also a great opportunity,” she says. With that role, she became the first Paraguayan hired directly by the streaming giant.
“The first time I worked with them, I was a bundle of nerves. I had just finished acting school. I gave everything I had, and it turned out great.”
In 2024, Andy returned to Netflix with a role in Criminal Code, this time acting as a prosecutor, closer to her legal background. “Being a former lawyer really helped me in the casting and playing the character. I was more comfortable and enjoyed working with Netflix this time, so I would not mind a third time,” she laughs.
The difference was clear: “When you are aware of the changes, you start enjoying more. And when you enjoy more, the magic comes out.”
Directing, writing, and producing El Fiscal
In 2024, Andy Romero expanded her career by directing, writing, and producing for the first time. Her short film El Fiscal won Best Director at the Tengo Fe Film Festival in Colombia, while her co-writer Claudia Zárate won Best Actress.
“In 2023, I wanted to move abroad. But my parents were sick, so I came back to care for them. From home, I started a scriptwriting course. Claudia, my friend, encouraged me to write this story. I never thought of directing, but when someone challenges you, you discover things you did not know you had.”
The short film also screened at CINEFEM in Punta del Este. “I was not prepared for the little details in production, but the editor told me I did almost all the work without noticing. That means I can already do this. It also proves that friends who encourage you are worth keeping.”
Theatre and reinvention with Re Lorca
Recently, Andy concluded a theatre tour that began in Uruguay and ended in Buenos Aires. In Re Lorca, she embodied six characters from Federico García Lorca’s plays, reimagined with a modern touch.
“I tried to modernise them by making them less dramatic and more comedic, while introducing this woman in her forties, who reminds me of myself. Re Lorca is about this woman going through divorce, reinventing and re-encountering herself.”
The play, directed by Leonardo Limongi and Roberto Jones, was acted entirely by Andy, who also contributed to the script. She considers Re Lorca her most important theatrical work: “It is like a child for me.”
Building Paraguay’s cultural landscape
Andy sees Paraguay’s film industry as small, but thriving. “Our country has a nascent industry. Festivals like the International Audiovisual Festival in Coronel Oviedo, where l was a judge, are key for expanding cultural vision and building networks. Many projects start at these events.”
She expresses pride in Paraguayan cinema: “For a small country, we keep growing in culture and freedom of expression. Paraguay goes abroad and always brings prizes. That proves we can do so much with so little.”
A voice of encouragement
“Everything we do is from the heart, and we keep knocking on doors and gaining international recognition. So, I encourage people to follow their dreams. It is never too late. Even if there are more negative voices, we must hold on to the positive ones,” Andy Romero says.
She adds: “When we are on the verge of ridicule, it is because we are fine. We can return from it. But when we fear, we stagnate.”
Looking ahead, Andy hopes to continue scriptwriting, directing, and producing. “I want to evolve with Re Lorca and visit more countries, as well as premiere it in Paraguay. Cinema is my life, and I am open to every opportunity.”
Redefining success
For Andy Romero, success is not measured by awards or recognition, but by self-acceptance. “For me, being successful is to look in the mirror and be happy with yourself. I think I am really successful now,” she concludes.
Her journey from Encarnación’s law courts to Netflix sets, from Paraguayan stages to international festivals, is a testament to reinvention and resilience. By embracing change and trusting her passion for art, Andy Romero continues to carve a path for herself and Paraguayan culture abroad.
You can follow Andy Romero on Instagram.
Read more about Paraguayan film: Gaspar Insfrán: A Filmmaker With A Vision.
