These days we’re all longing for the fun times of another era.

Well, David Henrie, best known for starring alongside Selena Gomez in “Wizards of Waverly Place,” wants to satisfy that nostalgic feeling with his directorial debut, the new teen comedy film, “This Is The Year.”

Executive produced দ্বারা Gomez, this contemporary spin on classic 80’s coming-of-age movies, follows a nerdy boy chasing after the girl of his dreams, only to discover his real true প্রণয় in the most unexpected place.

Rising actress Dianna M. Cruz joins the adventure as Liz, the party girl and ‘bestie’ to Zoey (Alyssa Jirrels). The role is just the latest for Dianna, who notably appeared on ডিজনি XD’s জনপ্রিয় "Kickin’ It" and in comedy sketches on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" as late-night sidekick Guillermo’s Daughter.

Ahead of its official release, movie-goers can watch “This Is The Year” during a special live Virtual Premiere on August 28th benefitting the Plus1 COVID-19 Relief Fund. (Visit link for tickets/details)

Dianna M. Cruz recently answered some প্রশ্ন about “This Is The Year” and more:

Tell us about your role in “This Is The Year.”

DIANNA: I play Zoey’s best friend Liz. She’s a huge party girl, loves alternative rock bands, and is always down to have a good time! She’s also a big অনুরাগী of “Lovelytheband,” which is so funny because so am I.

What would আপনি consider Liz’s ‘best’ quality? And her ‘worst’?

DIANNA: Liz’s best quality is her taste in music. Worst quality? She’s been known to ruin some moments with her party girl vibe.

How was it to work with actor David Henrie as the director?

DIANNA: Incredible! I was a huge অনুরাগী of “Wizards of Waverly Place” growing up, and being able to work on a project with David was such an inspiring experience. This was his directorial debut, but আপনি would have never known it — there was always this professional, hardworking, positive feeling on set. David really made us feel like we were all one big family.

The film feels like a party atmosphere, so are there any fun stories from the set আপনি can share with us?

DIANNA: We filmed at a pretty run-down motel in the middle of Mobile, Alabama, and one of our night shoots was on the eve of Halloween, so it felt like an actual party! Another fun thing that happened: on one of my days off, I ran into a few producers of our film in the hotel lobby. They invited me to check out the set of another film they were working on nearby, “Arkansas”. I went from grabbing blueberries at the breakfast buffet, to spontaneously meeting Liam Hemsworth. It was quite the morning!

What’s the biggest lesson আপনি learned from working on this project?

DIANNA: As an actor, I think there is this false misconception we have that one দিন আপনি become this ideal version of yourself, perfect your craft, and become a part of all the projects that আপনি dream of. But that’s not true. The way আপনি get there is দ্বারা continuing to struggle and grow; whilst never being perfect. So much growth comes in the actual “doing” — when you’ve been working a 13-hour দিন and need to get that last take before the director calls cut and the sun rises. Those are moments that make আপনি better. No matter how successful আপনি are, we are all just learning how to create the best art we can, and that is very inspiring to see.

And, now just for fun:

Who’s your পছন্দ actor/actress?

DIANNA: I’m obsessed with Dan Levy! “Schitt’s Creek” is my পছন্দ comedy of all time. Dan Levy is not only an actor, but a creator, producer, writer, and killer comedian. He put his হৃদয় and soul into the development of that প্রদর্শনী and আপনি can see it. Every joke is incredibly executed and the entire প্রদর্শনী makes me belly laugh. I also প্রণয় Reese Witherspoon in “Little Fires Everywhere”. I find myself drawn to actors who are not only artists, but have an entrepreneurial spirit and take projects into their own hands!

What role from the past do আপনি wish আপনি could have played?

DIANNA: It would be a dream to play a role like Rue in HBO’s “Euphoria,” অথবা even a bad গাধা super hero in a Marvel series, like “Jessica Jones.”

Favorite movie অথবা TV প্রদর্শনী from your childhood.

DIANNA: Growing up, I was definitely a ডিজনি Channel girl. I would say Miley Cyrus in “Hannah Montana” and Selena Gomez in “Wizards of Waverly Place” (our executive producer!) played such pivotal roles in why I am an actor today. The idea that আপনি could wake up every morning, play pretend on a sound stage, and make people laugh sounded like an absolute dream.

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.

DIANNA: When I’m not acting, I’m also a fashion/lifestyle blogger and content creator! I প্রণয় to share my personal tips on style and also my journey as an actress living in Los Angeles.

How can অনুরাগী keep up with you?

DIANNA: অনুরাগী can follow me on my Instagram at @diannamcruz link.

I প্রণয় to share my journey as an actor, my প্রণয় of fashion, inspirational quotes, and ছবি of my three hundred vanilla scented candles that I light daily ;)

Thanks, Dianna – it sounds like this is becoming YOUR year!