Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation With Jon Heder, left, and Efren Ramirez, right, is scheduled for Wednesday at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Submitted photo

Sometimes movie characters have a lasting effect on viewers.

Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro certainly do.

The film “Napoleon Dynamite” draws in viewers where they may tend to recite specific lines from the movie to enhance conversations with their friends.

Now area residents will have a chance to have a conversation with Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro about the film, released 20 years ago, which has attained a cult following.

Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation with Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez will be presented, Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Reg Lenna Center for The Arts.

According to reglenna.com, the unique evening includes a full screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) who will appear live on stage. Ramirez pointed out that viewers are taken away from their lives to live through characters they have just seen in a film.

“My job as an actor is to convince you the best way possible of who that character is just for a few moments. Whether be it comedy or drama, my creative curiosity is driven to explore different characters in different genres of storytelling,” he said via email.

Ramirez said he loves acting, enjoys anthropology and to gain a better understanding of the characters he plays, he looks for the similarities and differences to tie himself in with some emotional connection.

“I enjoy testing and auditing and exploring characters that evoke something in me. My job is to live it, study it, and learn it enough and so much so that the studios and audience can see a life in a world of,” Ramirez added.

In the film, Ramirez said the character Pedro was a risk because it was one of the lead roles, and he wasn’t sure that he could play him.

“The hand of doubt tends to lay on my shoulder every time I work whether be on stage or on camera. It’s daunting at times but I’m learning to be OK with it,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez added that some characters are much easier to understand than others.

“Even though we live in the information age, people; well, the audience, still want great compelling stories where characters strive to make some difference and search for some kind of meaning in their lives,” Ramirez said.

His advice for aspiring actors is simple.

“Don’t try to be perfect. Don’t try to get it in one day. Don’t force it, and lead with your heart.”

He added that it is OK to make mistakes as long as they are smart and honest, and to practice the craft because you will only get better.

“And that’s the truth. Look at Lucille Ball. She, a Broadway actor, pushed the envelope in every direction and created ‘I Love Lucy’ and opened a world of comedy and changed the way we see television,” Ramirez noted.

And on your journey to becoming an actor, Ramirez said, “Stay grounded – that will help you to see things clearly. … Learn it, practice it, and do it. And make all of your wildest dreams come true.”

The event is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

A V.I.P. Meet and Greet session with Heder and Ramirez that will take place before the movie showing and conversation. Tickets are available in person and by phone 716-484-7070, Monday and Friday, 12 until 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 12 until 8 p.m. at the Reg Lenna box office located at 116 E. 3rd St. in Jamestown and online at reglenna.com.