instinct has no truck with the do-gooding help – coach Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) – promising to change the lives of Phiona and her family.
In a chat with TheGuardian.com she talks
about her journey to being the actress she has become, politics in
America, being confident and so much more.
See excerpts below.
On her private vs public personality:
I don’t feel a need to be anyone but myself. I codeshift between my
mother and father, let alone the industry and my home life. So, yeah, I
think we naturally codeshift and that’s something I can’t deny I do, but
the version of me. Yes, this is me and No, it’s not a grand act.
On her relationship with “Queen of Katwe” director Mira Nair:
Mira Nair and I have known each other for a very long time. I once
worked as an intern for her, and our families are friends, but she
emailed me to say she had the role written for me and would I please say
yes to doing it? Less than 10 pages into reading the script, I sent an
email: ‘I must make this film.’
On her career after winning the Oscars:
The biggest gift or award the Academy has given me is choice. I am in a
position where I don’t have to take on roles out of desperation or to
help pay my bills. I can choose the projects I can say something with.
It’s not something I take for granted.
On her rise to fame: It
was actually quite scary and discombobulating. To have lots of men
running towards me with cameras, to look back to see what they were
running after, and – it was me? It was very jarring. The one thing that
made it all manageable was my intimate relationships because they have
been constant. My mother still calls me to ask whether I’ve had my
breakfast and that doesn’t change because I won an Oscar.
On keeping up the conversation about certain issues as a black actor:
Films inspire people to feel differently. A lot more can be done. We
can be more empathetic when we realise how much more alike we are than
how different we are. But you see, I don’t like to fight the reality.
The reason it is so acute is because of the stage we are at. When we are
talking about inclusion in entertainment, it’s because entertainment
isn’t inclusive and, until such a time as that becomes the norm, then
this work has to be done. I feel an impetus to say something because
this is a conversation that very directly affects me, and my career, and
my role in the world. But I don’t be labour it.
On politics: I don’t
imagine I’m not involved in [Black Lives Matter] – I have a younger
brother living in America, too, so obviously I’m affected. Obviously, I
take these things personally. And I know what’s coming. Don’t ask me
about Trump.
On her confidence: My
confidence comes from my upbringing. My parents took time to instil a
lot of values – patience, striving for excellence, not to compromise.
Playing Harriet definitely taught me to appreciate the role a mother
plays – that is a no-joke role. I spent a lot of time apologising to my
mother for the unnecessary heartache I put her through. I mean, kids are
so entitled. So selfish! When you realise motherhood is a part of
yourself running amok in the world, and you cannot help but worry your
heart.
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