MIND GAMES
At age 19, Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg has quickly become an acting superstar, as well as an inspiring activist on gender and racial equality. In new movie
The Darkest Minds, where a mysterious disease has killed off 98% of children and the few kids left behind have developed psychic abilities, she plays Ruby, who is forced to become a runaway. Amandla shares her thoughts on the film and growing up in Hollywood.
How influential and inspirational has your family been?
My mum is reareally smart, spiritual and grounded. Shes gave me a lot of spiritual practices and techniques growing up, like meditation, a belief system and aith. That’s something that’s very valuable to me. I wasn’t raised in any particular religion, but my mum practises a new spirituality, which is all about how to be a good person in the world.
What advice do you have for kids?
Put your phone down sometimes and get off social media. Kiss and hug your friends and family. It’s so easy to rely on social media and see it as being synonymous witwith real life. It’s easy to value those oonline relationships as much as, if not more than, your real ones. It’s so important to cultivate genuine friendships offline.
How did you get involved with the film?
The role was actually offered to me. There was interest in me partly because I have spoken out on issues is like cultural appropriation and Black Lives Matter. Since the character is a leader, or at least reaches the point of being a leader during the course of the of movie, Ruby’s eo I qualities. think they Also, felt I went had some to school with producer Shawn Levy’s daughter, so he already knew my work.
What did you learn from your co-stars Mandy Moore and Gwendoline Christie?
Mandy is sweet to everyone and that is really impressive. I can be a little reclusive when I’ve been working for hours, but Mandy is always lovely and kind. Gwendoline is a powerhouse! I love how commanding she is on set, knowing what she wants to do and how she wants to do it.