Actress Emma Kotos chatted about starring in the short film “Ride or Die,” which was written and directed by Joshua Shultz.
“Ride or Die” is a movie about “two lost souls searching for connection, who find themselves thrust into a whirlwind of chaos.”
Through a series of dangerous and unpredictable events, their bond is tested, while their character is revealed.
The cast features Emma Kotos, Joshua Shultz, Timothy V. Murphy, Reyneen Pedro, Kiana Kaye, Amber Black, Mike Gonzales, Liz Cotter, Lauren Kayati, and Joe Kayati.
Working with Joshua Shultz
On working with Joshua Shultz in “Ride of Die,” she remarked, “It was incredible. We actually came up with the idea for ‘Ride or Die’ after a spontaneous photo shoot where I was on the back of his motorcycle.”
“That moment inspired the entire project, and collaborating with him on something so personal felt natural. His creative vision and energy made the experience so fulfilling, and we had a great synergy on set, which really helped bring the story to life,” she elaborated.
On playing her character, Kotos stated, “What I loved most about my character was the rawness and complexity. She’s someone who’s dealing with the weight of past traumas while trying to navigate love and freedom.”
“The internal struggle she faces was something I could deeply connect with. It pushed me to explore vulnerability and strength in equal measure, and that made the character both challenging and rewarding to portray,” she explained.
Lessons learned from this short film
On the lessons learned from “Ride or Die,” she reflected, “It taught me the importance of embracing freedom in all its forms—emotionally, mentally, and creatively.”
“It reminded me how powerful it is to confront and heal from past traumas while continuing to move forward in life,” she noted.
“I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s the most vulnerable and personal experiences that shape us and push us to grow,” she added.
Kotos on her ethnic heritage
Kotos opened up about her heritage, which is quite diverse.
“My heritage is Italian, German, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, and I’m really proud of all of those backgrounds. I love the blend of cultures in my family history,” she said.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, she said, “Being a part of the digital age is both exciting and challenging. Streaming platforms have revolutionized how films are shared and consumed, making it easier for filmmakers to get their work seen by a wider audience.”
“With that, comes the pressure to stay connected through social media and technology. It’s a double-edged sword—on one hand, you have instant access to fans and supporters, but on the other hand, it can feel overwhelming to maintain that constant online presence,” she elaborated.
“Overall, I think it’s a tool for connection and exposure, and it’s up to us as creators to navigate it responsibly,” she added.
Advice for young and emerging actors
“My advice for young actors is to stay persistent and embrace every opportunity to learn,” she said.
“The journey in this industry can be full of rejection and doubt, but staying true to your craft and yourself is what will get you through. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore different roles and genres,” she explained.
“Remember, every experience—good or bad—teaches you something valuable.
Future plans
Regarding her future plans, she shared, “For the future, I’m really excited to continue pursuing more diverse roles that challenge me both as an actor and a storyteller.”
“I’m also looking forward to collaborating with more talented filmmakers like Joshua, and I’d love to produce more projects like ‘Ride or Die’ that explore deep emotional themes,” she acknowledged.
Closing thoughts on ‘Ride or Die”
For fans and viewers, she said, “The one thing I want people to take away from ‘Ride or Die’ is the power of love and freedom in healing.”
“The film explores how we often carry the weight of our past traumas and how we can break free from that burden through connection and courage,” she noted.
“It’s a story about embracing your flaws and letting go of what holds you back—whether that’s in relationships or within yourself. It’s ultimately about finding the strength to live authentically and love fully,” she concluded.
To learn more about Emma Kotos, follow her on Instagram.
