Ellar Coltrane, known for his role in the Academy Award-nominated film “Boyhood,” has largely stepped away from Hollywood. Now 31, Coltrane played Mason Evans Jr. in the film, which was a groundbreaking project filmed over 12 years. The movie was lauded for its storytelling and performances, yet Coltrane finds himself removed from the film industry, living far from urban centers.

“I’ve acted in a couple of short films,” Coltrane shared with Variety. One of his projects includes “El Fantasma,” shot in Mexico City, where he portrayed Lee Harvey Oswald. He also participated in “So, Who Was It This Time?” filmed in El Paso, Texas. Coltrane has integrated with the independent film community in El Paso, which he finds inspiring, reminiscent of Austin two decades ago.

Despite participating in movies like the indie film “Shoplifters of the World Unite,” Coltrane admitted he no longer finds himself drawn to the entertainment industry. He revealed his current life involves manual labor and volunteering as a firefighter while working towards an EMT license. However, revisiting the Austin Film Society event ignited his nostalgia for film collaboration.

Coltrane reflected on his time working with passionate directors. “I excel when collaborating with a director on a passion project,” he noted. He enjoys engaging in projects that allow him to express the director’s vision, fearing the constraints of larger film productions.

His acting career began when he was six, portraying the son of characters played by Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. Coltrane acknowledges he wasn’t formally trained as an actor, learning through collaboration on set. He is hopeful for more involvement in smaller, meaningful independent projects.

Reflecting on his childhood stardom, Coltrane considers himself fortunate for managing the transition well. He credits his experience working on “Boyhood” for shielding him from many challenges faced by other child actors. Coltrane is grateful for the lack of exposure during his formative years, providing him a different path through fame and acting.

Patricia Arquette won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Boyhood,” where she played the character Olivia Evans. Coltrane feels compassion for those who struggled with early fame and appreciates his experience in the film industry.