Women have a unique relationship with their hair, especially Black women. And, how they choose to wear it can communicate a lot in just one quick glance. The new short film, Pick, sheds light on the impact of hair on a young Black girls’ self-esteem.
From filmmaker Alicia K. Harris and winner of the 2020 Canadian Screen Award for ‘Best Live Action Short Drama’, Pick follows Alliyah, a young girl who wears her afro to school on picture day and must navigate the unexpected consequences of doing so. Jessica Danov stars as Alliyah’s single white mother, as she struggles to help her daughter deal with an issue she has never experienced herself.
Pick has resonated with audiences on the festival circuit with screenings at TIFF Next Wave Film Festival (Toronto), Afro Prairie Film Festival (Winnipeg), Athena Film Festival (New York), and Vancouver International Film Festival among several others. The film’s subject matter is timely with current events—while Jessica’s character mainly grapples with not being able to help her daughter, Pick highlights the numerous microaggressions black women have faced growing up and continue to face today in relation to their hair and appearance.
Based in Toronto, Jessica has invested herself in the international indie scene as both an actress and filmmaker. She wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy short film Bad Vegan: The Original Recipe, as well as emerged in Emily Gutierrez’s romantic short film Italian 101, which is now available on tellofilms. Jessica also appeared in an episode of the YouTube horror-comedy web series Allie & Lara Make a Horror Movie.
Jessica is interested in being part of projects that raise awareness and spark conversations necessary to effect social change.
indieactivity (IA) : Briefly explain your role in the celebrated short film Pick.
Jessica Danov (JD): I play a single mother to the central character Alliyah (Hazel Downey). My character struggles to help her daughter through the unexpected consequences she faces from wearing her afro to school.
IA: What was your first impression of the motherly character you portray?
JD: On my first read-through of the script I found her to be very caring and compassionate, which she is, but there is so much more to the character upon further exploration. She is a mom who loves so completely and naturally gives all of herself to her daughter, but there is a deep sadness beneath all that which stems from not being able to help her through something so important. I think she feels she isn’t living up to the responsibilities that come with being a mother, that she is letting her daughter down and fears the consequences of that.
IA: Why do you think this story is important right now?
JD: Pick is an important film that is raising awareness and encouraging the conversations necessary to facilitate change. While my character’s struggle is not being able to help my daughter, the bigger issue being brought to light is the myriad of microaggressions black women have faced growing up and continue to face today in relation to their hair and appearance. Based on conversations I’ve had with friends and family after seeing this film, I know this story is one of many. I have heard from numerous women who have told me they can relate to Alliyah’s experience or to her mom’s experience, and others who were uninformed on this issue completely. Change begins with awareness and this film is creating awareness in such a beautiful and accessible way.
IA: What helps you create a character?
JD: It varies based on the role, but in my first few read-throughs of a script I really let my intuitive responses guide me. More often than not, there are elements of a character I can relate to through personal experience. Going through similarities and differences from the role helps guide my character development, but the most important thing for me to identify is what the character wants overall, as well as in each individual scene, and why. This gives a lot of insight into who the character is. It’s also really fun to use physicality to create a character if it’s in line with the script. Even subtle physical differences can have a big impact.
IA: Is there a specific moment when you know you’re fully prepared?
JD: My feeling of being prepared has evolved with each role I’ve taken on. It used to be script analysis and memorization, but ultimately, I’ve learned it’s a combination of doing the work and letting go. When I’ve done the work so fully that I’ve gotten to a place where I can play, think, and react honestly as the character I feel prepared and able to give myself over to the present moment.
IA: How do you keep your performance fresh during long hours on set?
JD: It’s a combination of work and rest. It’s important to find time in between shots to relax, maybe socialize a bit on your lunch or dinner break, and stretch. This keeps my energy up. When I know the crew is setting up a shot I’m in I’ll take a few minutes to go over that scene, the moment before, and the previous scene to get back in the headspace of the character, feel connected and ready to give my best to the role.
IA: What’s the best advice a director ever gave you?
JD: Let go of the results and embrace the journey. Early on in theatre school I was so focused on creating the “perfect” performance that it was preventing me from living in the moment and really connecting with and reacting to my scene partner. It’s important to do the work and bring your own ideas to the character, but it’s equally important to remain open to the moments that present themselves. When I got that advice it really freed me up to experiment, take risks and made room for so much more joy in the work.
IA: How did you get into acting?
JD: I always loved performing and singing in the school choir, but for me it started with musicals. I was in my first musical in grade 6. I loved the community and camaraderie that came with it and it was also a really fun way to express myself. I kept doing plays throughout school, did some background work to get a feel for professional sets, and when it came time to either go to college or start working, I chose theatre school. Many of my favourite actors had trained in the theatre and I wanted to deliver powerful performances that affected audiences the way theirs had affected me.
IA: Who is your creative idol and what do you love about their work?
JD: I really admire Mindy Kaling. She is, of course, hilarious and loveable, but she’s also a powerhouse hyphenate. She seems to constantly be creating; I’m inspired by her work ethic and a fan of her work. There’s a lot of heart sprinkled amongst the laughs.
IA: Any other tips for actors you’d like to share?
JD: Don’t compare your career trajectory to anyone else’s. Nothing will take the joy out of acting like comparison. Do your work and enjoy the journey!
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