Sundance 2024: Busayo Ige on being an Essex Girl
Busayo Ige aims to create stories that uplift and empower black girls and women, reflecting their diverse experiences with honesty and reliability.
Essex Girls is a film that challenges the Essex girl trope and documents the struggle of growing up black in a predominantly white community. The film, which screened at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival and the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, follows the coming-of-age story of a black girl, Bisola, trying to fit into the white-dominated Essex. Even her two white best friends, Charlie and Saffron, seem to not understand her identity as a Black teenager. Busola’s life changes when she meets another black girl, Ashlee, who is everything she wishes to be — pushing her on a journey of rediscovery.
Bisola is played by Busayo Ige, a British actor and writer of Nigerian heritage based in Essex. Ige, who doubles as the writer of the short film, shines throughout with her brilliant portrayal of Bisola, a teenage girl navigating life in a white-dominated environment.
“I chose authenticity over an elaborate plot, believing that Bisola's story would resonate more deeply with audiences,” Ige says about writing and portraying Bisola. “Ultimately, it's not the complexity of the plot that makes a story impactful, but rather the authenticity and emotional resonance of the characters' experiences.”
In this exclusive interview with In Nollywood, she shares insights into her experience writing and playing the lead role of Essex Girls.
Congratulations on the Sundance screening! Did writing Essex Girls affect your portrayal of Bisola? Would you have understood Bisola’s character differently if you had not written the script?
Thank you so much! Sundance was honestly a dream come true and exceeded all of my very high expectations. The writing process was very separate from the acting side of things, and it felt like two very different journeys as I was writing for almost three years before the possibility of playing the role started to feel like a reality.
When it came to preparing myself to play the role of Bisola, I approached the script in the same way I would have approached a script I did not write. As an actor, you draw massively on your lived experiences to bring a character to life, and my interpretation certainly could have been different if I had not written or directly experienced these things. However, Essex Girls is a universal story, and I’m sure, no matter where I grew up, in the UK or otherwise, I would have experienced similar things to what Bisola did.
During the writing stage, did you know you would play the lead role? If yes, did this affect the way you wrote Bisola’s character?
I pursued writing due to the lack of opportunities I experienced in acting, and deep down, I always knew I would play the role of Bisola as I was crafting characters that resonated with me. Writing became a means to manifest the roles I wanted to embody on screen. In the process, I allowed myself to be completely vulnerable and honest when shaping this character. It wasn't about portraying myself in a certain light but rather about authentically capturing the essence of Bisola and grounding her in reality. My focus was on crafting a compelling narrative and breathing life into the characters.
Can you give instances where you had similar experiences to Bisola’s in the film?
Bisola's experiences are rooted in the real-life experiences of 14-year-old Busayo navigating life in a predominantly white area. I vividly remember moments when my geography teacher made questionable comments about race, and that weird feeling of being less desired than my friends due to my skin colour. Drawing on those memories and emotions was integral to informing my performance as Bisola. However, when revisiting those specific experiences for the role in my twenties, they seemed like distant memories from another era (they are, to be fair.) Despite feeling more self-assured as an adult, I still have moments of insecurity and uncertainty, reminding me that the journey of self-discovery continues into adulthood. I found it equally compelling to tap into those recent feelings of insecurity and belonging to add depth to Bisola's character and her journey.
How important is it to you, being of Nigerian descent, that this story is told?
So important! Some of the best moments in the film involve Bisola's interactions with her mother, Ronke, played by the talented actress Tomi Ogunjobi. Unlike typical portrayals of Nigerian parents, which are strictly militant or authoritarian, Ronke represents a tender and loving side, breaking stereotypes of pure strictness. She embodies the warmth and understanding of a parent who deeply cares for her child, offering support and wisdom throughout Bisola's journey. We do not see that enough!
Racism explored in the short is very subtle. Apart from the teacher’s comment in class, we don’t really see it. Was this intentional?
This was very deliberate. The reality is that the majority of racism isn’t blatant or overtly in-your-face; it often operates in subtle, insidious ways. As Bisola navigates her life in Essex, she initially may not fully comprehend the nuances of racism. Instead, she begins to feel a sense of discomfort, a nagging feeling that something isn't quite right. As she matures and gains a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her, she begins to question these unsettling experiences.
Were there any specific filmmakers or films that inspired you while creating this project?
I'm greatly inspired by writers like Michaela Coel and Issa Rae, who beautifully depict carefree black girls in their work. Their storytelling captures the complexities of black female experiences with authenticity and grace. Shows like Chewing Gum and Insecure offer refreshing portrayals of black women navigating life with humour, vulnerability, and resilience. These narratives challenge stereotypes and celebrate the everyday joys and struggles of black women. As a writer, I aim to create similar stories that uplift and empower black girls and women, reflecting their diverse experiences with honesty and reliability.
Something that stands out to me in Essex Girls is Bisola’s hair. The minute she changes her hairstyle towards the end (with the help of her friends), she sees herself and responds to situations differently. It’s as though her hair is the physical representation of the self-discovery she has made. I find it very interesting. Was it an intentional choice in the writing?
Yes, this was intentional. Bisola’s hair serves as another symbol of her ongoing journey of self-discovery. Hair holds significant meaning for many of us, especially as it shapes our sense of self from a young age. I remember feeling insecure about my hair as early as five years old, comparing it to my friends' long, straight hair. Bisola's journey with her hair in Essex Girls reflects this struggle for self-acceptance. When Ashlee helps her change her hairstyle, it's a powerful moment of support and empowerment. It demonstrates how sisterhood can aid us in embracing our true selves. This scene emphasises the importance of acceptance and community in our personal journeys. Ultimately, it's a celebration of our unique beauty.