Meet the Leading Lady for our Upcoming Film The Sound of Southside
Catching Up With Amanda Morris Hunt
Whether we’re talking acting, producing or the story itself the facts remain the same - there would be no Sound of Southside without Amanda Morris Hunt. The Jamaican born actor breathed life into her character in both the upcoming film and the novel, giving “Afeni” a certain delicate authenticity that will shine onscreen.
What’s even more impressive is that Amanda juggled this role with her TV debut Saint X, which was in production in the Dominican Republic at the same time. Despite flying back and forth to a major Hulu production, she never forgot her character, and she never forgot us.
RSVP here to watch Amanda’s performance at the film premiere on May 13th. & please support this project with a purchase of the accompanying novel here.
We’ve seen you do a lot of great things since our last feature film, from theatre to your first upcoming TV show. What’s the journey been like for you?
The journey has been challenging but rewarding. There have been stretches where I felt lost. The entire year of 2021 I felt like I was walking around in a circle. Auditioning felt like I was throwing dust to the wind. Last year was the first time I got pinned for a TV show. I didn’t get that role so they made me audition for another role in the same show and I didn’t get that one either. I was bummed. Then came the audition for Saint X. I auditioned for a role and got pinned and didn’t get that one. They asked me to audition – I think for maybe 2 or 3 roles in total? By the time I got the audition request for my role I was so tired and I thought “What’s the point? I’m not gonna get it”. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was doing a play in DC at the time and I just got home from a performance. It was really late and I was so tired when I saw the email from my manager. I wasn’t going to do it but my husband encouraged me to go for it again and can you believe THAT’S the one I booked!
Like I said, the journey is challenging but my faith is strong and I trust God. I know that His plans for me are great so I don’t even worry anymore.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnAjnW-PcaW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
You did our movie at the same time that you were shooting Saint X for Hulu. What was it like transitioning back and forth from our scrappy production to a big budget project?
First of all ain't nothing scrappy about The Sound of Southside *snaps fingers in Z formation*ahaha but honestly, It was hectic and really fun at the same time. No lie! Saint X filmed in the Dominican Republic so I was constantly flying in and out of NYC to film. However, my schedule for Saint X wasn’t always set in stone. One time I got an email saying they were changing my shoot day and advised me not to get on my flight… 4 hours before the flight! The driver was on his way and everything!
My shoot days for the Sound of Southside were already set in stone and there came a time when they overlapped. I was stressed!! Luckily that didn’t last long and I was able to make both shoots.
Working on both projects at the same time showed me that it's really all the same. A bunch of people who want to tell a story and they come together to do so. It’s just that one group has more financial means than the other.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoF-3B1vtsf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
You’ve been around since The Sound of Southside was just an idea. What was your favorite part of the process of creating the film?
My favorite part was seeing all the different actors bring their character to life. Seeing them act out scenes that you used to describe to me with all the excitement of a little kid made me really emotional. I got to watch your dream come true in real time! God is good.
"I don’t know when or what it is but I see myself booking something huge in a career elevating project soon. I claim that over my life."
Who are some of your dream collaborators? What does a dream set look like to you?
Other than the masterminds at Gritty Vibes? Angela Bassett because duuh, Giancarlos Esposito, Mahershala Ali, Oliver Samuels, Lashana Lynch, Anika Noni Rose, Nicole Beharie, Jenifer Lewis, Jonathan Majors, Viola Davis Dee Rees, Ryan Coogler. Friends I studied acting with. I could really go on and on. I have this dream where I’m in a film and Angela Bassett and Giancarlos Espositio play my parents and Jenifer Lewis is my auntie, ahahha.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf9eRw2OMEc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What should we look out for/expect from you in the future?
Greatness. Leading Lady. Amplifying unsung Jamaican voices. I don’t know when or what it is but I see myself booking something huge in a career elevating project soon. I claim that over my life. Just bookmark the name Amanda Morris Hunt because in Jesus’ name, I’m going far.