'The Chosen' Actress Lara Silva on the Best Way to Become a 'Divine Influencer'

ORLANDO, Florida -- If we are all being honest it is pretty clear that we all would like to be known. It’s just a part of our DNA and human nature. But for so many of us, that isn’t enough. While it’s great to be known, it's even better to have influence with our family, friends, and even complete strangers.

One needs to look no further than our social media feeds to know that we influence others and are being influenced by those around us on a daily basis. But for some, there is a gnawing within their souls to influence millions of others with a steady dose of personal declarations, intimate reflections, and scads of persuasive images straight from the inner core of our mobile phones.

In the new Great American Pure Flix movie release Divine Influencer (streaming Friday, September 15th), Olivia Golden (Lara Silva, The Chosen) is a 20-something influencer who loses financial support from her parents, forcing her to take a job at a homeless shelter for all the wrong reasons. However, it is while making a simple yet steady impact in the lives of those less fortunate than her that Olivia discovers the true meaning of influence.

I recently sat down with Silva to discuss the Shari Rigby (Overcomer, October Baby) directed film, how acting in Divine Influencer compares to her role in The Chosen, and discovering the joy and purpose that comes with serving others.

If you were trying to encourage a friend or family member to watch the movie Divine Influencer what would you say to them? What would your sales pitch be?

I think this movie just speaks to so many people right now of all ages. It's about a young woman who is an influencer. However, she is very self-centered. She has this me first attitude. And we see that a lot on social media. I think it's important that we have movies like this where my character (Olivia) goes through a journey where she finds herself after she lost everything. Because just as quickly as she has so many riches she quickly goes to rags. She's desperate so she goes and works at a homeless shelter where she learns the true meaning of finding joy and what God's purpose is for her life. She figures out that she can influence others truly and impactfully, but in turn they really influence her. It's a really good movie about humility.

I’m sure you get lots of scripts that come your way to consider. What was it about Divine Influencer that made you want to take the role as Olivia?

When I first auditioned for this, I'll be honest with you, Chris. I didn't want to do it because I didn't think that I would be chosen. I didn't think that I would be the kind of influencer that they were looking for. And when I read the script, I was like this isn't me. How am I going to portray this? And honestly, God reminded me of who I am and what I bring. My gifts and talents are enough, and who I am uniquely is enough. And my version of this character is enough whether I get the role or not. And I went through the process of auditioning and the callback. I had a chemistry read. It was via Zoom which is even harder to do because there is no human element. So that was mind blowing in itself. It was a God wink moment where we think one thing and He's got other plans for us.

For those who don’t know, you are also a cast member on the uber popular video series The Chosen.  I’m guessing the experience between playing Eden and Olivia in this movie is quite different. What can you tell me about that?

It was extremely different. With Olivia, we shot this film in three weeks, which is incredible. That's very fast. And when you see the movie, you'll see just how many incredible, fabulous outfits Olivia has with makeup changes and hair changes. She's got nails that are extremely different from what a woman would wear in a Middle Eastern village.

And it’s such a blessing to get to put on essentially these different shoes and be in this different world. With Divine Influencer, it's today's world. Whereas with Eden, we have this historical drama about the life of Jesus. But Jesus is still there with Eden, and He's still there with Olivia as well. It’s just two very different women both seeking Christ.

Now more than ever we are seeing a growing number of influencers. How do you hope this movie impacts them or those aspiring to become one?

I hope that Divine Influencer impacts those people that really want to influence, have that platform, and have a voice. I want them to really ask themselves how they are making people feel? I think that the content that we have out there, it's important to filter, to see what we're looking at, what we're seeing and who we're following, because it can be so detrimental to our mental health. So, influencers that really want to impact others and really have a positive following, must come from a place of kindness and love. I think that points people to Christ because that's who He is and always has been.

In the movie, Olivia eventually takes a job at a homeless shelter but quickly discovers the joy and purpose that comes with serving others. Why is this such an important message to convey in the times we are living? 

It's so important for us to really look at the needs of others. What a challenge that is, to be able to not just look at what others need, but really communicate with them and come down to their level, to carry each other's burdens. That's one of the things that Jesus calls us to do as well. And it's not just about serving and giving your time, or your resources. For me, what I've learned is that with serving, it's not just the action that you're putting into it, but what’s in your heart behind the action, the love behind your action. And I think that is the real important message. 

This movie seems to be very timely. Why is right now, the right time for Divine Influencer to be released?

God’s timing is always perfect. You'll see that in the movie. The writing is so brilliantly done, it's so relatable. Right now is the perfect time because I think I overheard Shari Rigby, our director, say, “71% of people get their news through social media outlets, whether it’s real or not.” That's a lot. So I think it's so important right now to really know your identity in Christ and who you are, to not forget that because the world can really suck you in and really cause some harm.

After audiences have had a chance to see Divine Influencer, what would you like to see people get out of the viewing experience? What is your greatest hope for the film?

I hope that people leave feeling inspired to truly and honestly look to others before themselves, no matter what that looks like. Whether it is getting out into your community or reaching out to a family member that you haven't spoken to. Just to be there for them, to see how they're doing, and to listen to each other, whatever that looks like in your life. To just really be inspired to serve others with kindness and love. When we look at ourselves, where we are now, we didn't do it all ourselves. There was somebody there along the way growing up that influenced us or gave their time to teach us to help us.

Divine Influencer is streaming soon on Great American Pure Flix.

WATCH A TRAILER FOR DIVINE INFLUENCER: