In a recent interview, Bella Ramsey, the British actor known for their role in Game of Thrones, reflects on their teenage years and the impact of their experiences on their latest film, Sunny Dancer. The film, which tells the story of a young cancer survivor's journey to a summer camp, has a deeply personal connection for both Ramsey and its writer-director, George Jaques.
A Sensible Teenager
Ramsey, who started acting at a young age, consciously avoided the stereotypical teenage behavior, influenced by adult criticisms. This decision led to a unique opportunity when they were cast in Sunny Dancer. Playing Ivy, a cancer survivor, Ramsey got to experience the freedom and rebellion of being a teenager, albeit at the age of 21.
"I got to be a teenager aged 21, which was brilliant," Ramsey says. "It was really nice - and liberating." This experience made them wonder if they had missed out on the typical teenage years, wishing they had embraced the rebellious side.
A Personal Journey for the Director
Jaques, the film's writer and director, shares a similar sentiment. His mother's cancer diagnosis when he was 15 years old shaped the project. It took him eight years to process these experiences and turn them into a script, ensuring a personal touch in the story.
"I never seem to write in the moment I'm going through it," Jaques explains. "You have to sort of get through and understand it and have that reflection of it." The film, however, is not a direct reflection of his family's story but incorporates elements of his life.
Challenging Grief Norms
Both Ramsey and Jaques emphasize the importance of allowing people to grieve without societal pressures to return to normalcy quickly. Jaques, who lost someone close to him at 18, notes the societal expectation to resume life immediately after a loss.
"We are expected to just carry on," he says. "Straight back to work and school." This raises a deeper question about our approach to grief and the need for honest conversations about emotions.
A Message for Young People
Ramsey, having played a teenager in the film, offers advice to young people struggling to fit in. "Don't try and fit in," they say. "Please don't change to try and fit in because there are people who will fit in with you." This message resonates with Jaques, who believes the responsibility should not solely lie with young people to become more resilient.
"There's so much pressure on young people to change on social media," he notes. "Why don't we stop hating on young people? Maybe that's where we should start as well."
In conclusion, Sunny Dancer is not just a film about a summer camp but a reflection on the challenges of growing up, the impact of personal experiences, and the need for a more compassionate approach to grief and resilience.
