Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Project Four PR
We got to chat with actress Sarah Podemski about her goal to recreate the Indigenous narrative and her role in Resident Alien.
As a child were you always finding different ways to perform and entertain others?
All the time. My sisters and I were always making our parents watch our plays and musicals, we were always performing!
Tell us a bit about Resident Alien. What drew you to the show?
Kayla was such a wonderful character, and I had never seen a female Native character so fully realized on the page. She was funny, and tough, and a smart ass, all while having the biggest heart. I couldn’t wait to play her! And then reading the scripts, I was so impressed with the writing and how they delivered this insanely funny comedy, while exploring the intricacies of the human condition.
Are there similarities between you and your character Kayla?
I think so! I can be pretty tough, and a bit of a smart ass, but I think I am also empathetic, and super sensitive, and understanding. Depends on the day and who I’m dealing with, hah!
Through your work you hope to recreate the Indigenous narrative. Have you seen the way indigenous people are portrayed on screen changing in recent years?
I’m slowly feeling more hopeful and confident that the narrative is shifting. I’m witnessing so many of my peers in the community finally getting the chances they deserve to show run, direct, and be in the writers room. That’s where the big changes are coming from, our own community telling our stories, and working from the very inception of an idea till the end. So it’s a really exciting time, and I can’t wait for audiences to see the incredible talent and stories we have for them!
Outside of acting what are your other creative outlets?
I have a business called Totem Designs, and I make dreamcatchers! I’m currently working on my website, but I hope it will be up soon!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Be kind to yourself and others. It’s a tough business, and the dynamics are tough. They are starting to change, slowly, working towards equality, and dealing with toxic behaviour. There is a long way to go to make this industry a safe place for everyone. So if you aren’t booking work, or you feel like no one is interested, just keep honing your skills, and working and hustling. Be easy on yourself, and know that if it were easy everyone would do it. Kindness goes a long way in this industry, especially now. People are getting less interested in condoning bad behaviour and working with problematic people. So be gracious, and kind, and remember this is a collaboration, everyone’s voice matters.