Set in the year 2154, where the wealthy live in a man-made space station called Elysium and the rest live in an overpopulated, polluted and diseased ridden planet Earth, a man sets himself to make a change, not only for himself, but for millions of people. The new film from director Neill Blomkamp is a special effects and action filled ride, but also a reflection on problems the actual world is dealing with, like differences in social classes, immigration, and health care.

We met with Diego Luna, who joined an international cast headed by Matt Damon, to talk about Elysium and how, in this case, art imitates life.

“This film is not about races [or nationalities], but about the difference between those who have [money] and those who don’t. It makes me think about the absurd discussion this country is having about spending so much money erecting a wall, in hopes of containing the necessity of the third world to be part of the first. It’s not going to happen. There is no wall that can contain the need of humankind to better their quality of life, to offer something better to their children. I hope that one day, all that money is used in development, in opportunities, and possibly we will see a solution to the bigger issue, which is the disparity we live on today’s world,” said Luna.

Luna, who’s trying his hand at directing on future projects, admires Blomkamp’s ability to step outside of the box and “make a profound reflection on who he is and the world he lives in.” He adds, “that’s what makes this movie so special to me.”  He feels that Blomkamp’s movies challenges you, questions you and confronts you with who you are.

Working alongside Damon was a great experience for him as well. “He is dedicated to his job one hundred percent. He is very strict, understands that making a film is team effort and values the work everyone around him is doing,” Luna said. “His work has a total conviction. When you look at his filmography, you realize that he is doing it for the right reasons and when you are clear about why you do it, the process will always be constructive and educational.”

Although this is Luna’s first sci-fi film, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of working in this genre again. “As an actor, I want to learn. I want to consider different challenges. Not to lose curiosity,” he explains. Also he has a preference for dramatic roles, like in the movies he grew up watching, but is on the lookout for comedic roles after realizing “the amazing feeling of making people laugh.”

One thing is pretty clear for Luna, “regardless of the outcome, what matters most is the journey. And if you are clear about why you are in this journey, eventually you’ll benefit from it.”

Elysium hits theaters & IMAX August 9th.