Congratulations on the success of EMPIRE WAIST! What drew you to this project, and what was it like playing the lead role of Lenore?
This project came into my life at the perfect time. I had a deep need to be a part of a piece of art that aligned with the message that I would like to spread to the world. Playing Lenore was quite healing for me and the child I was that so desperately needed to be told that all bodies were and are worthy of love. As soon as I got to speak with our director/writer, Claire Ayoub, I knew that we were on the same page and that we could create something really beautiful together.
Your character, Lenore, is a relatable and authentic portrayal of an overweight teenager. Can you talk about the importance of representation in media, particularly for underrepresented groups like young people with body positivity issues?
As I said above, this is a film that I needed so badly as a child. There is not enough media that represents bodies outside of what is considered the “Hollywood norm,” and quite frankly, that is not even close to the norm of the world at large. When we see ourselves on screen experiencing joy, falling in love, and even experiencing the insecurities that we face in our personal lives, there is an immediate recognition of feeling worthy and ultimately not alone. The more representation we have, the more “normal” we will feel. Our media should look like our world, and though we are making strides towards that, we’ve got a long way to go. In a world that tells us that fatness is undesirable and morally incorrect, it is beyond important to show how absolutely incorrect that sentiment is.
The film focuses on the fashion world, which is often criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. What do you hope audiences take away from EMPIRE WAIST in terms of promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry?
I really hope that individuals come away with a wider knowledge of the realities of inclusivity in the fashion world. For those that are not plus-size, I hope they become aware of what brands they are supporting monetarily. For the fashion industry, I just hope that they see this and see plus-size folks as important enough to start making change. It’s not enough to go up to an XL. For plus-size people, I hope they see this film and feel empowered to wear whatever the hell they want. No more of this wearing things that are “flattering” or “slimming,” just expressing yourself through fashion and feeling confident through that.
Your co-stars Rainn Wilson and Missi Pyle bring a lot of depth to their roles as your parents. What was it like working with them, and how did they help shape your performance?
Photographer Tommy Flanagan
To say it was an honor to work with these two icons would be a severe understatement. Rainn is simply a genius when it comes to the work. I feel like I learned so much just getting to play with him on set each day. Missi is a force. I was honestly very nervous to tackle some of the scenes with Lenore and her mother, just because of how much pain lies within that relationship for her. Missi made those scenes some of my favorites. She is the definition of grace in an actor and a human. She made me feel so loved and supported through the most challenging moments of the film, I am forever grateful for her. Not to brag or anything, but I have the coolest movie parents on earth.
EMPIRE WAIST has been recognized at several film festivals already, including the Sedona International Film Festival. What was it like being part of that experience, and do you have a favorite memory from the festival circuit?
Being able to join some of the action on the festival circuit has been so rewarding. The recognition we are receiving is a lovely affirmation of the amount of love and passion in this film. At one of the festivals I attended, a young person came up to me and said that after seeing me wear a backless dress in the film, they felt like they could do it now. That was everything to me. That is all I have ever wanted as an artist. Our film made that young human feel seen and heard. What an accomplishment.
As a college student, how do you balance your academic responsibilities with your acting career?
I am fortunate enough that I attend a university for Musical Theatre as my major. I had a lot of support from faculty through the process of this film and was even able to integrate the film into my personal curriculum. My acting professor allowed me to do a monologue from the film for my final that semester. Working professionally is what they are training us to do, so they were very accommodating. With that said, I don’t necessarily recommend going off campus for a couple months to be on set everyday while maintain a full course load, but I got through it thankfully!
Do you have any advice for other students who are pursuing their passions outside of academics?
My advice would be to be really specific about your boundaries and what you are able to give to maintain your well-being. There is this myth that you have to be in pain to be an artist, and that is just so untrue. Your stability and well-being are of the utmost importance, always. Be honest with yourself and go for it. If you love it, it will fill you up and make it possible for you to keep going. Find a balance that works for you and run with it. Now, that is way easier said than done, but through trial and error you can find that sweet spot.
What do you think is the most important lesson that audiences can take away from Lenore's story?
Loving yourself is a radical act. We say this in the film and ever since I heard it, it has stuck with me. It is so true. This world wants us to hate our bodies, wants us to spend copious amounts of money to look a certain way, so when we say no to that, it is incredibly radical. I am a big advocate for body neutrality because constant love and positivity is not always sustainable for everyone. In essence, body neutrality is recognizing your body for what it is and how it serves you. Rather than focusing on an aesthetic, its focusing on simply being and feeling what it is to be in your body. I hope people can come away from this film with an awareness of how powerful that sense of self can be.
Can you talk about the themes of parent-child relationships in the film?
Lenore’s relationship with her mother goes through a beautiful arc through this film. In adolescence, the opinions of our parents can mean everything to us, so when Lenore’s mother does not approve of her body, it cuts deep. They go on a journey together through this film to find love for themselves and each other.
How do you think parents can better connect with their teenagers, especially during challenging times like adolescence?
I think that rhetoric is so important. Being really careful about what you say about others and especially yourself as a parent can make a huge difference. The insecurities in ourselves are the ones we pick out on others the most, so as much as you can look inward and dismantle internalized fatphobia or other negative thoughts, the more positively you will look at those around you. Awareness is step one. Even when it comes out of love, it can still hurt. Be cautious of that. Be open for conversation, but not pushy for it. Lead with joy, always.
Finally, what's next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals that you're excited about?
What’s really next is my degree, focusing on my education before going out into the world. Other than that, I am open to what comes. I would love to tell some more stories that make people feel loved. I’m excited for the journey ahead.