In this captivating narrative, we delve into the lives of four rising stars in the world of entertainment: Jason Patel, Jason Patel (yes, two different individuals), Josephine Quinn, and our very own Sir Ben Hardy. Each of these individuals has embarked on a unique journey, filled with twists, turns, and moments that could only be described as serendipitous.
Ever since its debut in 1998, the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) – often seen as a grittier and more spirited relative to the BAFTAs – have served as an early indicator of rising talent both in front of and behind the camera. The BIFAs’ breakthrough performance award, previously known as the most promising newcomer award, is a way they acknowledge some of the biggest stars working today at their very beginning.
20 years ago, Jamie Bell and Ben Whishaw were awarded prizes in this category, while others like Dev Patel, Naomi Ackie, Jessie Buckley, and many more have won as well. Emily Blunt, John Boyega, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mia Goth, Andrea Riseborough, Will Poulter, George MacKay, Jodie Whittaker, and Cosmo Jarvis are some talented individuals who have only been nominated up until now.
Of course, it’s only to be expected that this year’s group of nominees might be feeling quite thrilled about the future events. In an interview with EbMaster before the awards ceremony on December 8, Nykiya Adams (“Bird”), Susan Chardy (“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”), Ruaridh Mollica (“Sebastian”), Saura Lightfoot-Leon (“Horde”) and Jason Patel (“Unicorns”) share their stories about nearly giving up, their first-time festival experiences, future plans, the year that marked their breakthrough, and more.
Nykiya Adams
When Lucy Pardee, the casting director, visited Nykiya Adams’ school in London to find a fitting youngster for the crucial role of Bailey in Andrea Arnold’s drama “Bird” – alongside Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski and Jasmine Jobson – she initially focused on Adams’ older sister. As she put it, “She was always the actor.” However, due to her age, she was too old for the part. Consequently, the focus shifted towards Nykiya (who was 14 at the time of this conversation, but 12 when the casting occurred).
In her initial acting performance titled “Bird,” Adams will be making an appearance at Cannes this year, with the movie being part of the main competition. She expresses the red carpet event as a surreal moment, saying, “I couldn’t believe it… I thought, this can’t be real, I must be dreaming.” When the film began, her first time seeing herself on the big screen, Adams initially hid her eyes. However, she eventually grew accustomed to the experience.
After having an amazing time in Cannes (especially the food), what Adams was most excited about upon returning was sharing her experiences with her friends back at school. “My best friend is really proud of me,” she said, “but she’s keeping it humble and not broadcasting it to everyone, but my other friends can’t help but exclaim, ‘You’re in a film!’
Adams plans to balance her acting career with sports, a long-standing interest of hers, once she completes school. Her agent, Jobson, is already seeking out more roles for her. If she could choose any future role, it would be one directed by Rapman and co-starring Ashley Walters.
Susan Chardy
Susan Chardy acknowledges that acting came to her later in life, following a prosperous career as a model and businesswoman. However, this passion has been with her since childhood. She had previously attempted to break into the industry, even securing an audition with Steve McQueen for an HBO series about a decade ago. Unfortunately, the series never materialized. “He wanted to see me, and I was on the verge of landing the role,” says Chardy, born in Zambia and raised in the U.K.. “It was significant because we all struggle with feelings of self-doubt, and I remember thinking to myself, if Steve McQueen sees potential in you, it’s crucial to heed his advice over the opinions of others.
After a decade of waiting, my dream has finally materialized, almost perfectly so. I’m honored to be the main actor in “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” Rungano Nyoni’s eagerly anticipated sophomore film, a Zambian/Welsh production filmed right here in Zambia. It premiered at Cannes, where it was one of the most acclaimed and buzzed-about features at the festival.
She admits that if someone had told her she’d be starring in a film in Zambia, using her native language, and it would be shown at Cannes… honestly, I don’t think it would have crossed my mind as a dream,” she expresses. Chardy brought the entire family along to the French Riviera, including her former tennis pro husband and their four-year-old child.
The primary frame captured from the movie, featuring prominently at Cannes and originating from the movie’s start, portrays Chardy donning a dazzling futuristic headband while seated in a car, leaving her son puzzled.
He believed mum was like a superhero. So I explained to him, you see, Mum’s a superhero in her own unique way.” A large, black-and-white, framed picture of that moment is now displayed on one of Chardy’s home walls.
Ruaridh Mollica
Ruaridh Mollica confesses he underestimated the magnitude of Sundance for himself and “Sebastian,” as it turned out to be his debut leading role in a film. He explains, “However, it was completely overwhelming. As soon as we arrived, people started recognizing us because they’d been reading about us in the brochures, making us feel like we were in this creative bubble.
From this bubble, “Sebastian” — a queer drama in which he plays a writer moonlighting as a sex worker — would emerge from the festival as one of the buzziest titles, and Mollica an actor to watch. But it almost didn’t happen, Mollica having decided to jack in his drama dreams — and endless audition tapes — to focus on degree in computer science. He was drawn back in by a lead role in a Scottish short film (the successful audition offer arrived the day after he’d chosen to quit), which was followed by a BBC drama called “Red Rose.” With acting back in his sights, Mollica turned down an offer to study at UCL — “a bad boy move,” he jokes — to give it a proper push, paving the way for “Sebastian.”
The bad boy move is not one he’s currently regretting. After Sundance, the sudden interest in him was enough for Mollica’s agent to send up off to LA to do the circuit, meeting casting directors, producers, production companies, studios and managers. He eventually signed with Range.
Mollica reflects that it really prompts thoughts about greater forces or destiny when he considers the alternative paths his career could have taken. In those challenging times when one might be on the verge of quitting, there’s a sense of encouragement to continue, as if something whispers, ‘No, don’t stop.’
Lately, Mollica has been seen in Armanda Iannucci and Sam Mendes’ humorous superhero series “The Franchise.” Future projects include Stephen Graham’s Apple TV+ series “A Thousand Blows” and a Channel 4 series titled “Summer Water.” In the film world, he will be starring in “Sukkwan Island,” working alongside Swann Arlaud, Woody Norman, and Alma Pöystri. This production took place in the Arctic Circle.
Saura Lightfoot-Leon
In contrast to other nominees for BIFA’s breakthrough performance, Saura Lightfoot-Leon delivered her groundbreaking performance in Luna Carmoon’s compelling debut film “Hoard” approximately three years ago. This movie, where the Dutch-born bilingual actress portrays a young woman confronting repressed memories from a childhood trauma, later premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
The film “Hoard” drew attention for being the first movie by a new director and Lightfoot-Leon’s debut role as an actress. Even after over a year, she continues to cherish it deeply. She describes it as a “continually rewarding experience,” expressing that it feels like an endless, generous project. This project, however, was not typical or conventional, especially for a first-time production. Lightfoot-Leon explains that the director, Luna, wanted her to improvise most of her lines, and she was ready to take on this challenge. This task proved difficult during table reads, so they eventually found a “middle ground,” which involved keeping certain moments secret from Lightfoot-Leon in order to capture genuine spontaneity on camera. “It was a risky endeavor,” she admits, “but it was also a remarkable opportunity, and Luna placed a great deal of trust in me by allowing me to take chances—what an incredible gift!
After her role in “Hoard,” Lightfoot-Leon’s acting career significantly progressed, even before her appearance in “Gladiator 2.” Her list of collaborations with prominent figures continued to grow. Currently, she is one of the main cast members in Netflix’s upcoming Western series “American Primeval,” directed by Peter Berg and written by Mark L. Smith, alongside Taylor Kitsch and Jai Courtney. Concurrently, you can catch her in Paramount+’s espionage series “The Agency,” where she portrays a novice spy, working alongside Michael Fassbender. Notably, “The Agency” has already been renewed for a second season.
She expresses a sense of moving across eras and family lines with her two significant television roles. She is deeply appreciative because each role broadens her acting skills, offering unique lessons for growth and development. Each project she takes on brings new insights to her craft.
Jason Patel
Nearly missing a pivotal chemistry test, Jason Patel found himself on the brink of landing his career-altering role in “Unicorns,” an LGBT romance where he portrayed a drag queen juggling two lives. With performances as Mowgli scheduled for “The Jungle Book” on stage, his early morning train to London was first canceled and then re-routed, resulting in what he called a “disaster” that had him entering the room with co-directors Sally El Hossaini and James Krishna Lloyd, as well as fellow lead Ben Hardy, after barely an hour of sleep.
Fortunately, everything turned out well, and as Patel put it, there was an extraordinary bond between the team. “It felt incredibly genuine and authentic – something that can’t be staged or manufactured,” he added, explaining, “When energies align and resonate, you can’t fake it. It was clear we were destined to work together.
Before his success with “Unicorns,” Patel, who is trained as an actor, was widely recognized for his music. His 2022 single “One Last Dance,” which blends R&B and Bollywood influences, received airplay on BBC Music and the Asian Network. However, he admits that he was constantly striving to gain acting experience. A significant portion of this was gained through theater work on a regional level. During a year and a half prior to his major film debut, Patel had been playing Mowgli in several productions.
When the opportunity to star in ‘Unicorns’ arose, I felt incredibly prepared, as I had been putting in an enormous number of hours of work prior to that point,” he explains.
It seems that all the effort put in has proven fruitful, as Patel mentions that the success of “Unicorns” has provided numerous opportunities. He hints at exciting developments ahead, stating, “There are some truly amazing things on the horizon.” One such project is the upcoming BBC crime drama titled “Virdee,” which he will be involved in.
He mentions that he’s trying out for roles, connecting with individuals, and currently working in the place he”s yearned to be for a long time, either alongside people he’s deeply enthusiastic about or on projects that ignite his passion. To put it simply, he feels incredibly lucky.
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2024-12-07 17:17