I recently got a chance to talk with actresses Annie Ilonzeh and Erica Pinkett. To discuss the new sci-fi thriller, Run, they both star in and what it was like working on a film that has never really been done like this before with five women of color in the main cast of such a film. We also discuss what drew them to the film and how it was working with each other on set. Among several interesting topics about the film. That you can dive into below.
Nello Rubio for TheHipHopDemocrat.com: Hey Annie you play Melissa in, Run, who is the main character. What drew you to the role and made you want to do the movie? Also for you Erica?
Annie Ilonzeh: The biggest thing is Chris Stokes and Footage Films and Marques Houston. Where we worked with them before and have a great history with them. Great working relationship and great personal relationship. So that whole group is family at this point.
Erica: Listen we had such an amazing time. I am laughing because right before you just came on. We were just thinking about this scene from the movie and it is absolutely hilarious.
Nello: Yeah it seemed like of you in the cast had a lot of fun with each other. Even though it is a sci-fi thriller type movie. Would you say you had that kind of chemistry with each other on set?
Erica: Yeah we definitely had this camaraderie on set that translated to our real lives. Cause we have these group chats that are insane and it’s cool because even when we were filming. Some of the mountain caught on fire by we were filming in Big Bear. There was a huge fire. Which is funny, but it’s not funny that even as we are trying to escape. We are filming. So we are like are we really going to be trapped on this mountain? Like what is going on. So it felt like the storyline of the movie actually became real. Like we are trying to escape and there is smoke and my character is, “Like we gotta get out of here, now.” But that was also me in real time. It was insane.
Nello: You both mentioned about working with Chris and Marques being a huge factor on working on this film. What aside from that made you want to do the film?
Annie: Just knowing that there is five women and five women of color spearheading this film. Just that there is something like this that is a sci-fi thriller that we haven’t seen look like us. That really shaped our decision and I think to say, “Yes, we are doing this.”
Nello: Annie I know you and Claudia already had a relatively prior to the film. Do you think that is something that also drew you to the film?
Annie: Yes outside of Chris getting me to jump out of a helicopter and skydive. Claudia Jordan is the second person to get me and really honestly the first that would be able to get me to do something like that. So yeah working with Claudia was a no brainer. So it definitely made the decision easy and she is so funny. She is really the glue. Yeah is really both a comedian on and off set. That girl really had us cracking up on set.
Nello: Do you think having a movie like this will lead to more opportunities for more movies like this not only you ladies, but for just everybody else in general?
Erica: Listen that is why it is so important for everyone to get out in theaters this Friday, Aug. 29th to see this film. It is the first I believe of its kind where you have five women of color, who are leading in a sci-fi thriller. I can’t think of ever seeing that. So my dream is that there is some young boys and girls, who see themselves watching this and say, “Oh my god, I want to do that.” You know. You know I felt like that when I watched when I was younger, “The Princess and the Frog.” I felt like, “Wow, we have a young woman of color who is actually leading an actual animation film.” So this is huge and I just pray other people feel like that. Annie also chimed in with, “The same.”
Nello: For people who are actually going to go out see the film. What would you say to them going about the movie going into it?
Annie: I would say, Buckle up. Cause it’s a very, very fun ride: You are going to see something that you haven’t seen in a long time, if ever.
Nello: We are actually Chicago-based here with TheHipHopDemocrat So I wanted to ask both of you if there is anyone here from Chicago you would want to work with?
Erica: So one of our other leads Drew (Sidora), who worked on the film is from Chicago. And I love Chicago great food.
Annie: And I have worked there before. I did Chicago Fire for a few years. So Chicago is definitely home. So, “Hi Chicago and thank you all so much for seeing us this. We really appreciate you this interview. Thank you so much.”
