Dyllón Burnside and Dwen Curry talk about “Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story” on BET.
‘Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story’
On the concept for this project, Curry said, “This came about after I did ‘American Gangster: Trap Queens.’ The BET network felt that the story was compelling enough to go ahead to do a movie on it. There were so many different layers that went on in my life at that particular time.”
“So, the movie ended up coming about by a way of me doing ‘American Gangster: Trap Queens.’ Everyone enjoyed it, and that’s what it is. Now, you have the story, and it’s a good one. I’ve been fighting all my life,” Curry said with a sweet laugh.
Curry on working with the cast
On working with the cast, Curry said, “The cast was amazing! All of them were incredible. I’m not changing a thing when we get the series. Period. Of course, there was some back and forth about some stuff. I was adamant about certain cast members to help them get their big break and let them shine.”
“You are so hungry as a new actor that you don’t want to prove anyone wrong. You have more to prove to yourself that you can do it, and that’s what I loved about it,” Curry noted.
Curry continued, “Sometimes, you can get an actor who may more seasoned in a sense since they’ve been in the industry for a certain number of years, but when you have the ones that have been supporting cast members and really good at what they do, and you give them their chance to shine, and that feels good to me, especially with Dyllón, who really deserves this.”
“Now, when a queen comes to town, everything shuts down, and Dyllón shut it all the way down,” Curry added.
Burnside on being a part of this movie
On being a part of this film, Burnside said, “It was great. I had an incredible time working on the film, and we got to make a cool movie. Getting an opportunity to tell Dwen’s story has been a huge honor, and it was just a really great time.”
When asked what this screenplay taught him about himself, Burnside responded, “I don’t know. I was just drawn in by Dwen’s story. I am an actor; I love getting to do what I do.”
“So, getting to play such a dynamic character with many different layers, and to be empowered by Dwen and the team, has been my favorite part of the experience,” Burnside added.
Burnside concurred with Currry that it taught him that he is “fierce, fabulous, and beautiful.” “I think everyone pretty much embodies that,” Curry admitted.
On doing this film with BET, Burnside said, “It is great to be able to tell a story like this on BET. It’s beautiful to be able to have this conversation with the community.”
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Burnside said, “There is a lot more content now, and there are a lot more options for people. Ultimately, it’s those stories that resonate with people that cut through.”
Advice for young and emerging actors and storytellers
For young and aspiring actors, Burnside said, “I think because we are in the digital age, with all of the streamers and social media, there are so many opportunities for people to really be true to themselves. I know that the industry is in a lot of upheaval and a lot of changes are happening.”
“Ultimately, my advice is to just really get to know who you are, and to love who you are, and to lean in to who you are. Ultimately, that is the heart of good storytelling,” Burnside elaborated.
“You need to know, love, and embrace your own truth before you can tell anyone else’s and also tell in a way that will resonate with other people,” Burnside added.
Stage of their lives
On the title of the current chapter of their lives, they concurred, “Fighting to Be Us.”
“It’s about the collective,” Burnside acknowledged.
Success
Curry said, “Success means living in your truth. It is not necessarily financial, but it is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. As long as you true to yourself and you stick to your guns, then you are successful.”
“Success looks like being healthy and having the freedom to choose how I spend my time,” Burnside added.
Superpower of choice
If Burnside were to have any superpower, it would be “to disappear,” while Curry’s superpower would be to “bring unity within a community.”
“So, I would love to bring everyone together, and I would love to have a lot of money,” Curry said with a sweet laugh.
Closing thoughts on the film
For fans and viewers, Burnside said, “I hope that people will watch it, and be openminded as they watch. I hope that they talk to us about it on social media as they watch it.”
“I hope that people can take out of it to be fearless,” Curry said. “A lot of people have a fear of success and a fear of failure. Just know that you can be fearless even if you are stepping into the unknown, and that’s okay.”
“Just have faith and you need to trust that everything will be okay. This movie is about fearlessness, resilience, strength, and pride in who you are. Also, never sell yourself short,” Curry concluded.
To learn more about Dyllón Burnside, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on Dwen Curry, follow him on Instagram.
