Texas actor, LGBTQ+ advocate hopes to spread message of body positivity, inclusion in upcoming film

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- A Texas-based actor is hoping to spread positive messaging not only in their personal life, but in the work they do as well.

Mia Kaplan (they/she) will be a senior this fall at Texas State University studying musical theatre. They are a member of and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and strive to make the world a more accepting place for all people. That advocacy expands to the topics of body positivity and inclusion.

Kaplan is one of the leads in the film "EMPIRE WAIST," set to premiere this fall. The film is a story about teens learning to love their bodies through fashion, in Kaplan's words. Their character, Lenore, is a "young girl who doesn't love and respect her body at this point in life, and a friend comes in and basically discovers her talents for fashion design, and they have this sort of friendship, love story, and through that, start a fashion line for different bodies and abilities and learn to love themselves and accept how they are," Kaplan said.

Kaplan said the experience of creating EMPIRE WAIST was healing, and that the team behind it was passionate about the story, which she said comes through clearly in the film.

This film is in line with a lot of what I believe to be true. And that, you know, there's a lot of hate in this world for bodies outside of the norm. And I think this film touches on not only learning to love oneself, but accepting bodies for what they are and not viewing people as less worthy for being a size or having a different ability. And experiencing what that is, like, firsthand and at high school, which is the worst ever when it comes to people commenting on your your appearance. And learning how that can fall away when you find people and community that accept you and love you for how you exist.

Mia Kaplan

Kaplan, now 21, started acting at the age of seven, and starting booking roles around 13 years old. Kaplan said though they do get pushback and some negative comments on social media for the messages they share, they've found a loving community in the Austin area.

"I've found a surprisingly really open and accepting community here. And like, especially in Austin, I think the culture is really accepting of people and artists, and it has been really refreshing and lovely to get to grow in your college," Kaplan said. "And yeah, I'm grateful for the community that I found."

Kaplan, who is originally from California but was drawn to Texas for TXST's theatre program, said as for what's next, she loves Austin but hopes to spread her wings a little more.

"Right now, I mean, I'm riding that wave of senior year and trying to get my degree. And then the plan is to maybe move to New York and do the thing, in theater or do some TV or film. But I love Austin, and I can see myself coming back here someday. And, you know, like, the ZACH Theatre is a great place, and I would love to work there. And there's lots of opportunities and music and you know, maybe I'll be at South by Southwest someday and come back here. I think it'll always have a special place in my heart," Kaplan said.

"EMPIRE WAIST" has already received recognition at multiple film festivals, taking home Best Feature at the 2024 Coney Island Film Festival, the Wavemaker Award: Best FutureWave Feature at the 2024 Seattle International Film Festival, and two awards at the 2024 Sedona International Film Festival for Best Empowerment Film and Best Social Impact Film.

The film is writer/director Claire Ayoub's feature debut. It also features Rainn Wilson, who is famously known for his role as Dwight Schrute in "The Office," Missi Pyle, Jolene Purdy and Mima Yevu.

It's also set to be screened at several upcoming film fests, including the Dallas International Film Festival, ahead of its official theatrical release later this year.

Kaplan said those interested in seeing "EMPIRE WAIST" on the big screen can fill out a theater request form at empirewaistfilm.com.

"I hope that folks are able to have some revelations and, and feel loved and seen and represented."