Aaron Ruell and Efren Ramirez, two actors who starred in the modern comedy Napoleon Dynamite as Kip and Pedro, will speak at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in Strong Auditorium on the University of Rochester's River Campus.
Besides acting in the film, Ruell designed and created the opening title sequence and shot all the press and publicity stills. He is also an accomplished film director: His past two short films received great notices at the Sundance Film Festival. Ruell's most recent directing work, Warm Blue Day, is produced by Jared Hess, his film school colleague and director of Napoleon Dynamite.
Ramirez, who played Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite, is a rising star in Hollywood and was acting by age 13. In the past, he has guest starred in shows like "Boston Public" and "E.R." but his appearance in Napoleon Dynamite generated praise from media, critics, and audiences. His most recent appearance was in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Like Ruell, Ramirez is not only an actor, but also a top disc jockey, and his company "Nocturnal Rampage" hosts hip dance parties in California.
At the talk, both Ruell and Ramirez will discuss and show clips from the film and will answer questions from the audience. Tickets to Ruell's and Ramirez's talk are $5 for University of Rochester undergraduates; $10 for University of Rochester graduate students, staff, and faculty; and $15 for the general public and are available at the Common Market in Wilson Commons on the River Campus and at the door.
Ruell and Ramirez's appearance is sponsored by the Outside Speakers Committee. For more information, contact the Common Connection, (585) 275-5911.