Bella Ramsey, the British actor known for their role in Game of Thrones, has opened up about their unique teenage experience, reflecting on the decision to embrace a more rebellious side. In an exclusive interview, Ramsey shared their thoughts on the importance of teenage freedom and the impact of their role in the film Sunny Dancer, which explores the lives of young cancer survivors.
A Different Kind of Teenage Experience
Ramsey's journey into adulthood began at a young age, as they started working with adults on Game of Thrones at just 11 years old. This early exposure to the professional world meant they never fully embraced the stereotypical teenage years, often characterized by moodiness and rebellion. Instead, they consciously chose to be more mature and responsible, a decision influenced by the criticisms they heard from adults.
"I was like, I'm not going to be that," Ramsey recalled. This mindset, however, changed when they were given the opportunity to play a teenager in Sunny Dancer. The film, set in a summer camp for young cancer survivors, allowed Ramsey to experience the freedom and liberation of being a teenager, even if it was a bit late in life.
Embracing Teenage Freedom
Playing Ivy, a young cancer survivor in remission, Ramsey got to explore the desires of a teenager striving to find their own identity. The experience was liberating, and it made them wonder if they had missed out on the typical teenage rebellion. "I got to be a teenager aged 21, which was brilliant," they said. "It was really nice - and liberating." The film's younger co-stars played a crucial role in teaching Ramsey about the songs and experiences that define teenage life, filling in the gaps of their own teenage years.
A Personal and Emotional Journey
Sunny Dancer is not just a story about a summer camp; it's deeply personal for writer and director George Jaques. The film is inspired by his own experiences, as his mother was diagnosed with cancer when he was 15. It took him eight years to feel ready to turn these experiences into a script, ensuring a level of authenticity that resonates with the audience.
Jaques worked closely with the Teenage Cancer Trust, hearing from young cancer survivors and their parents. This collaboration shaped the film, and he even gave two of the young survivors roles in the movie. The process of making the film also forced Jaques to confront his own fears of loss, particularly during the premiere in Berlin, where he was reminded of a version of the film where his mother wasn't there.
Grief and the Need for Support
Both Ramsey and Jaques emphasized the importance of allowing people to grieve without the pressure to quickly return to normalcy. Jaques shared his own experience of losing someone close when he was 18, while preparing for his A-levels. He believes that society often expects people to 'carry on' immediately after a loss, but honesty and understanding are key to processing grief effectively.
In the UK, there is no general legal right to paid bereavement leave. The focus should be on supporting individuals through their grief, rather than expecting them to minimize their emotions. Ramsey noted the unhealthily British tendency to downplay grief, and both Ramsey and Jaques advocated for a more compassionate approach to dealing with loss.
Embracing Authenticity
In the context of the film, Ramsey's advice to young people struggling to fit in is simple: "Don't try and fit in. Please don't change to try and fit in because there are people who will fit in with you." Jaques agreed, highlighting the pressure young people face on social media to conform. He suggested that society should stop judging young people and instead focus on creating a more supportive environment.
As Bella Ramsey reflects on their teenage years, they offer a unique perspective, one that challenges the traditional view of adolescence. Sunny Dancer serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing one's true self, even if it means deviating from societal norms.
