What to do to commemorate 100 years of the Campari classic Negroni? Why, throw a huge bash, of course! And, whilst you’re at it, cast a relatively unknown but absolutely stunning actress for this year’s Campari Red Diaries short movie Entering Red . The story in three parts, akin to the three ingredients of Negroni, takes viewers on a journey into the world of Campari through its birthplace, Milan.

History will be on the side of Gruppo Campari.­ Ana de Armas is a star on the rise!

SO‘s first encounter with de Armas is at the morning press conference that took place at the Anteo Palazzo del Cinema, Milan. Stepping onstage in her red leather J Brand fitted pants paired with an off-white silk L’Agence top, she’s hard to miss. Her stunning face framed by a shiny bob adds movie-star allure. She’s alert, pleasant and engaging.

When we meet later in her luxe sixth-floor suite at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, she cuts a tiny figure seated on an ample sofa, her red pants peeping out of a heavy coat that’s draped across her shoulders.

“I screamed when I got the call from Campari; I was shocked,” she shares as her eyes further illuminate the broad smile. “I mean, this was the third short film. Clive Owen was the star of the first, Zoe Saldana the second… the call was unexpected on several levels but I have always been fortunate to be selected as the best actress for the part. I am not the actress people typically expect to be cast.” When asked why, she ponders a few before responding “ … the look, the accent the age, my being Cuban… What I have learned, however, is that they look for the best person for the part. And this is what I have come to value and appreciate the most. Indeed, were I on the other end of the camera I would do the same thing.”

If fortune favours the brave, de Armas is its poster child. She admits that even with four years of formal training under her belt it has been life’s lessons, the bumps, the falls, the “bad movies”, that have propelled her forward. “I knew from the age of 11 that acting was what I wanted to do. I would watch as many movies as possible and then run to the mirror to practise. Thankfully, I had the full support of my parents as there was never a Plan B!” she shares.

Getting de Armas to admit her screen faves is a challenge but Penelope Cruz and Cate Winslet come out on top. Blade Runner scores as her personal favourite movie.

Life Lessons Thus Far…

“My one lesson that I would like to share is that it is important to keep moving forward. You certainly cannot control the outcome, but even if it does not go according to plan you have a story to tell your grandchildren. So, take risks. Be flexible. Listen to your inner voice the most… and finally, never give away your power.”