Efren Ramirez answers five questions about 'Napoleon Dynamite' and screening it in Elkhart

“Napoleon Dynamite” was an unlikely box office hit when it was released in 2004. The movie tells the story of the titular character, a socially awkward high school student, along with his quirky friend and bizarre family.

The independent film, written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and directed by Jared for his full-length debut, was made with a budget of $400,000 and grossed almost $45 million in its initial run.

Nearly 20 years later, “Napoleon Dynamite” continues to be an indie cult classic with screenings followed by a moderated discussion with three cast members: Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico), which began after the movie was screened at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles in 2014 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The Lerner Theatre in Elkhart hosts a screening and conversation with the three actors on Oct. 1, which also includes a Q&A portion with the audience. Ramirez answered five questions in a telephone interview with The Tribune ahead of the event.

(Spoiler alert: the ending of the movie is revealed)

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What is the reason for doing these screenings?

First of all, it was such a dynamic film. It was like the shot heard around the world. We knew that there were so many fans. When the studio did a 10-year anniversary, we had so many people who were asking for a sequel, hoping to see some more of “Napoleon Dynamite.” So we thought we could have a screening, have a tour, and see what happens. It just got bigger and bigger from city to city. If we have time, when time is available, we do this tour in between working and families. It worked really well with Jon Gries and Jon Heder, Uncle Rico and Napoleon. You put me along with these two guys and it becomes like The Three Stooges onstage.

Why did you take the role? Jared Hess was a new director at the time. What drew you to the film?

I was a new actor myself. When I came on board, I thought, I hope I don't mess up. I hope I know my lines. I hope I could develop a character in such a way where he becomes memorable. I hope I can be honest with the work. Everybody took a chance on me. I remember being on set on my first day and I had to go to wardrobe, and I met Jon Heder as Napoleon. He was in his wardrobe and goes, “Hello, Pedro.” I was like, dude, I made the right choice.

And I'm a big fan of Jon Gries’ work. He's a brilliant character actor. Also, the director, Jared Hess, was very clear on the characters he wrote, along with his wife. If we ever had doubts, he'd be there playing the characters. He knew them better than we did. We felt safe and were able to create and develop these characters.

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While you were making it, did you get any sense that it was going to be what it became? Why do you think became so successful?

We all had no idea how big it was going to become. You work in any kind of film, and you just hope that the audience will receive it. It so happens that it was like lightning in a bottle. I think part of it has to do with hope. Every single character, underneath, has hope for something better. As we come to think of it, there is inclusion, there is diversity. As different as we all are, we're all just trying to get along and trying to figure out ways to live our lives. As odd as we are in high school, we're either Napoleon or Pedro. Or the Uncle Rico that never leaves high school.

When did you first realize that it was becoming so big? Were you getting recognized all of a sudden?

It was a moment when I went to a premiere, and I saw Sir Anthony Hopkins wearing a “Vote for Pedro” button. And I saw Denzel Washington wearing a “Vote for Pedro” t-shirt. High school students and elementary school students and college students were just talking about “Napoleon Dynamite.” It just got bigger and bigger and bigger. The franchise grew and there were dolls and action figures and boxers and blankets and socks and shoes and hats and scarves of Napoleon Dynamite. The list goes on and on and on and on. Yeah, I'm a part of that. That's cool.

Will you be alright if this is the role you're most remembered for?

It would be more than alright, it'd be awesome. When we think about Pedro, we think about somebody who walks into a world where he doesn't even know where he fits in, but somehow, he befriends this guy who's just super odd, but in that friendship, they help each other’s dreams come true. What people take away from this film and the characters, I hope that they take away the hope in the possibility that you could become something greater of yourself than you could ever imagine. Pedro thinks it is possible to become president at his school and he wins. Wow! He only wins because of the friendship that he has with Napoleon. They helped each other out. The altruism in that is that you give yourself over to help your friend. What's wonderful about this film itself is that for every single character, at the end of the movie, something great happens to them. Napoleon gets the girl, Pedro becomes president and Uncle Rico finds that girl who shows up in the end. Kip is with LaFawnduh and goes to Detroit. Who knows if he becomes a cage fighter? Grandma gets the llama. It's all good, man.

On screen

• What: Napoleon Dynamite: A conversation with Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries

• When: 8 p.m. Saturday Oct. 1

• Where: The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St. Elkhart

• Cost: $125-$20

• For more information: Call (574) 293-4469 or visit thelerner.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Napoleon Dynamite screened with stars present for Q&A in Elkhart, IN