Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Waldy Martens, Terri Hofford
Keilani Elizabeth Rose is creating opportunities for indigenous actors and filmmakers all while carving her own unique path. We got the chance to chat with the actress/producer about her project FLIMSY and her advice for aspiring actors.
Growing up did you always picture yourself working in film and television?
Dance is my first and forever love. For a long time in my youth when I was afraid to speak out and use my voice … movement was the safest way I understood how to express myself. Eventually, the realm of dance organically led me to acting. But originally, I had no idea there was a place for me in the film and tv world because I never really saw someone who looked like me on the screen (other than in cartoons). That definitely impacts a young person’s perception of possibility … Now that I have discovered this reality for myself, a huge part of my work will always be dedicated to advocating for representation through diversity and inclusivity in film. I want all little ones to be able to see faces that look like theirs when they watch movies. I want them to hear stories that empower and inspire them to use their voices and share their truths.
Outside of acting you also model, write, and DJ. Have the arts always been your go-to way to express yourself?
The intersections of arts have always felt like home for me. And when I look at my family I see that pattern extended. As I continue to reinvent myself artistically, I am constantly discovering greater strength and ownership with the power of my voice – from dance, to acting, to writing, to producing – each step elevates the next and the combinations feel so symbiotic. With two younger siblings that are incredibly talented visual artists and musicians, the energy of collaboration between us is something really special. This speaks beautifully in resonance with the values of our mixed indigenous heritage. We are so lucky to have a Mamma who has nurtured our natural and creative gifts and encouraged us to become the artists, storytellers, dancers, musicians, healers and change-makers we are today.
You got the chance to star in and produce FLIMSY. What was it like wearing multiple hats while working on the project?
It was a really eye-opening experience to spread my wings and take on a project from multiple angles. I fell in love with being in the driver’s seat and having the freedom to make bigger contributions with artistic direction. When it came time to switch hats from pre-production and dive into filming, the transition was thankfully very smooth because my cast mates were absolute rockstars and my co-producer was wonderfully supportive. Working with an amazing team is something I will never take for granted.
My co-star, Chelsey Reist (CW, The 100) who plays Phina, my bestie and roomie, made filming so much fun. David Anders (Netflix, iZombie) who plays Mr. A, my super eccentric boss, delivered so hard with each performance he left me in stitches between takes. And Grace Dove (The Revenant), who plays Parker, is the homie from PG and we have developed a really lovely sisterhood that feels so empowering on and off-screen.
Stepping into that space as an actor and a producer nurtures a different level of strength and confidence in your work. Having Printz Board by my side throughout the creative process was so enriching. He not only produced with me but also brought his Grammy award-winning musical direction to the project with complete sound engineering. The score for the series is absolute fire, and it really was the cherry on top of a darling experience with a dream team.
The series was invited to screen at the 4th Annual Female Filmmakers Fuse Film Festival. How did it feel for it to be recognized in that way?
It feels amazing to be joining the league of female filmmakers who are making waves toward equity and diversity in representation. But it’s not the first time I’ve had the privilege of sharing strong feminine energy in the creative realm. Participating as the youngest scholarship recipient to the UBCP-ACTRA Summer Women’s Institute in 2019 and before that making my debut in film as one of the leads in internationally acclaimed, award-winning thriller, The Color Rose; I find working with fierce teams of powerhouse women absolutely igniting.
It’s really exciting to see FLIMSY receiving such wonderful global recognition on its festival tour. After premiering in France where it won the award for Best Pilot, we’ve since been invited to screen at multiple festivals throughout Europe and the United States and have been honored to receive further awards for Outstanding Achievement. I’m so proud of our entire cast and crew for pulling off such an unconventional production during such a challenging time. It’s nice to have something to share that will hopefully bring some much-needed light and laughter to the world.
Tell us about Breathe and the mentorship program for Indigenous Youth that is a part of it?
Breathe is an experimental short written by Cody Kearsley (CW, Riverdale) that will marry the traditional world of film with the stylistic artistry of contemporary dance and movement. I will be on board producing and leading in the project as Grace. Our hope is to uplift communities struggling with addiction and substance abuse, specifically the Indigenous community. Part of our exploration with this film will also promote enlightenment of the generational effects of colonization on Indigenous Peoples.
It’s important to us that we share this story through a resilient lens which is what inspired the idea to incorporate a mentorship program. We will be inviting local Indigenous Youth to shadow crew members during principal filming so they can get a feel for the industry. I want them to know they can have a place and a voice here. In the words of Taika Waititi in his Oscar acceptance speech for JoJo Rabbit: “I dedicate this to all the Indigenous kids all over the world who want to do art and dance and write stories. We are the original storytellers and we can make it here as well.”
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Dream with ambition. Lead with conviction. No one else can tell your story the way you can … and you never know who you will inspire when you are brave enough to share it.