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Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson
Thank you for chatting with us. How has the lockdown been for you and your acting career?
Hi, thanks for having me! Lockdown has definitely been challenging at times for me, as it has been for many actors, but I'm doing quite well. I have some great projects to look forward to once lockdown is lifted. I was meant to be in Los Angeles a few weeks ago for the U.S. premiere of Risen, so that was a little disappointing, but I've also had the chance to slow down and work on some personal projects, which has been nice. I am currently in pre-production for my debut film, Cognitive, so that is really exciting!
You are about to make your first International acting appearance in Risen. What can you tell us about your character and the film?
Yes! Risen was released in U.S. cinemas on the 20th of August. I play the role of Rachel Stermon, a biologist responsible for discovering life from other planets.
Risen is a science-fiction thriller about a meteorite that hits planet Earth and makes the air uninhabitable. I won’t spoil it too much, but it’s got a lot of heart and a great twist at the end.
How did you come to be in the film?
I met the director Eddie Arya through an acting workshop that he was running. I didn’t know it at the time, but the scene I performed in front of Eddie and the class that day ended up becoming an unofficial audition for me. Eddie loved my work, and I was pretty much cast in the film there and then. It was both an amazing and unexpected experience!
Where and when can people see Risen?
If you are in or can get to America at the moment (take me), Risen is currently screening in U.S. cinemas. It is also available across multiple streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Apple TV for my friends in the U.K.!
You have a number of acting credits to your name. What film was your favourite to work on and why?
I most recently filmed a role in the feature film Beat by Australian director Jye Currie. It was one of the best experiences I have had onset. Jye was a very open and approachable director and allowed me to do some improvisation. Improvising is such a dream for me as an actor, but you rarely have the permission or get the freedom to do it. It was so much fun! I had such a great time with my co-stars, and there was a really relaxed vibe on set. I loved my character Ruby and the emotional journey she got to go on. A great experience all around!
Why do you make movies?
I have always loved movies, and I think that movies have the power to change people’s lives. That’s what I hope to do. I want to help people by making amazing movies and telling stories that matter. Movies can make people feel less alone in the world and feel more understood.
I hope to help give a voice to those that may be struggling to find their own, and I want to bring positive change to the world.
The first movie I ever fell in love with was The Wizard of Oz. I remember it having such a huge impact on me, even as a little girl. The message behind it is so powerful- that we always hold the power within ourselves to do great things. I have always carried that with me and I hope that I can inspire others to find their power too.
What would you say if you were a dolphin?
“This interview has been going swimmingly, but it’s time to dolphin-ish now!”
Find out more about Kya and follow her on her official Instagram:
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