Dee Reese set out to create a tale that focuses on a teen who searches for ways to make sense of her journey toward adulthood. Staring Adepero Oduye as Alike, the film Pariah delves into the tribulations of a young woman who is uncertain of how to come out as a lesbian.
Oduye, along with co-star Kim Wayans, Reese and producer Nekisa Cooper, sat down with rolling out to discuss the process of creating it and why the film’s subject matter is important.
When did you decided to create this film?
Dee Reese: I first wrote this script back in 2005. I was going through my little coming out process. And so for me, writing it was just kind of getting out what I was feeling and what I was going through. We did a short film in 2006 as a thesis project. We were able to workshop it and got a chance to work with the actors and develop the material. We were excited to shoot in 2009 and then have it appear at major film festivals in 2011. It’s been like a long time on paper, but the time didn’t feel that long because there was always something to keep it moving forward.
What made you want to tell this story and why is this story important?
Reese: In terms of my process, it usually starts with a character. The character just kind of sticks to my mind, and for me that character was Alekay, so she was kind of this recurring character. And my process, I don’t necessarily write scenes in order, so my first draft of the script seems to be long hand. Then as I do my first draft I type it up, and that’s the first time I’m editing it and really starting to judge. When I go to structure, I’m doing index cards. It really starts with characters, I tend to fall in love with the character, and my supporting characters have a tendency to become bigger. I just wanted to tell a story we hadn’t seen, and it was a bite of reflection from my own experience. I was full of questions, so the film kind of sprung out of that.
Adepero Oduye, you star as Alike. What were your thoughts when you first read the script?
I remember thinking, “I know what this person is about.” So what I knew was that feeling of not feeling free and that feeling of not being able to be yourself and wanting so bad to find out who that is. Just tired of falling into people’s ideas of how you should live your life.
Kim Wayans, we are used to seeing you in comedic roles. What drew you in to this dramatic film?
I was sent the most amazing script. It just touched my heart. It was such a beautiful story and a story that’s so relevant. I really wanted to be a part of this project. As a person who is known for comedy, it’s very difficult for me to get into dramatic realms in Hollywood. But I was very blessed that the producers and director were so open and willing to have me come in and see what I could do. Thankfully, they really liked what I did and I got the part.
Nakisa Cooper, you were with Dee Reese from the beginning of this project. How did you guys go from corporate America to Hollywood?
I’ve been with the project since its inception. I met Dee when we both worked at Colgate Palmolive. I worked in toothbrushes, she worked in toothpaste. Shortly after we met, she decided she was going to leave and go to film school. We remained friends and I started helping her on project. We started a company together, and Pariah is our second feature.
