"Two Distant Strangers" actress Zaria talks to Rival about starring in the Oscar Winning Film
Netflix has been virtuoso in producing and releasing hit after hits such as The Kissing Booth, To All The Boys, Marriage Story, and many many more. They’ve taken home awards and more recently took home an Oscar for their short film Two Distant Strangers. The short film, written by Travon Free and directed by both Free and Martin Desmond Roe, depicts the brutal killings of Black Americans by police officers through the eyes of a young Black man stuck in a Groundhog Day-like situation where every one of them ends in his death. The young Black man Carter’s alluring date Perri is portrayed by none other than hypnotic Zaria. Perri is a fierce but vulnerable character, full of personality light, much akin to Zaria herself. Her persona is strong enough to stand alone throughout the film, and Zaria acknowledged that her own personal experiences fueled Perri’s onscreen psyche. The Black Lives Matter protests from all over the country went and influenced the star’s emotions for the role.
Photo credit Stephanie Girard.
On the importance of viewing Two Distant Strangers, “I think Two Distant Strangers should be required viewing for non-black people especially. I think it explains something inexplicable with words alone. In less than 30 minutes it says this is what every day feels like to a Black person and it looks like a horror film. People banding together to agree on one thing: Public execution of civilians should not be legal. Unfortunately, for the police, it seems to be.”
She notes, “Two Distant Strangers will march forever.”
Prior to the Oscar win, Zaria first appeared on screen in Ellis E. Fowler’s sci-fi Emotical, and soon after played Sasha in Black-ish. She also obtained roles in Totally TV and The Super Pops. On booking the roles, “I was auditioning quite a bit. I met some amazing women there: Jenn Barlow, Laura Hall, Scarlet Shepard, Olivia Cordell, Stephanie Houston, Katie Davidson— to name a few. We worked with Adam Illami and these CRAZY talented music producers who could craft a hit in less than a week’s time. Laura really championed for me to get the role. It feels good to know that those women are real superheroes on and off-screen.”
Photo credit Stephanie Girard.
Most recently, Zaria landed the role of Courtney in Jamie Foxx’s newest comedy series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me on Netflix. On Courtney, “I think I can say that I relate to her. She definitely has a more wild side to her that I was able to explore in the character. But, I know what it’s like to know what I want and go after it. I am a Taurus after all.”
Poetry is another art where Zaria finds comfort and solitude. She is the author of the poetry book We Got A Lot to be Mad About; words from the lens of a Black American experiencing the summer of 2020. She says,
“2020. I was writing poems in the form of a diary and my friend, Dena Smith, creator of the world-renowned Leo Oil, told me I had to do more than post them. I must publish them. When a cancer-surviving and an established entrepreneur tells you to publish - You publish.”
Picking a favorite quote from the assemblage of poetry presents itself as a hard question to the actress as she feels all of her writing is special to her, but she chooses, “Do not be afraid to call me Black. Capitalize the B like you do when you call me a bitch,” and her favorite title is, do you kill songbirds.
Photo credit Stephanie Girard.
More Questions:
Do you find similarities between acting, songwriting, and poetry? Are your creative processes similar or do they differ?
“There are absolutely similarities to all of them. I approach every art from the heart first. Acting is the most empathetic. I have to change form into someone else’s desires, fears, past, present, and future. Songwriting is a lot like poetry but opposite in its collaboration. Poetry for me has mostly only been a collaboration with myself and my pen. I have been doing it for so long that the rules are so driven within me that there no longer exists any.”
How do you channel different sides of yourself for different roles for different genres?
“I remember to not find the character within me and instead find the character and then me within the character.”
What do you do in your free time when you are not creating?
“I watch TV! And movies and laugh with friends.”
I know you can’t disclose what is in store for you, but can you give us three words to describe your upcoming projects?
“Good question. Powerful. Necessary. Breakout.”
Would you ever collaborate with brands?
“I would collaborate with brands. I have always looked up to and admired fashion. So it has always been a no brainer for me. Dolce and Gabana creating two custom dresses for me for the Oscars red carpet is a moment I’ll never forget!”
What is your favorite fashion style to wear?
“I truly see fashion as art so when I’m looking for a lewk I’m looking for a LEWK. Fashion icons to me are Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Zendaya. But I am also fascinated by stylists Law Roach and Wayman and Micah are the magic behind the curtain. Everyone was asking what I was going to wear for the Oscars and I would say: I don;t know but I know I;m in good hands! I was so fortunate to have THE Wayman and Micah as my stylists. They took every idea I had and elevated to the hands of Dolce and Gabbana. What more could I wish for? They have such vision and poise and really know and love their craft.”
Do you see yourself directing, producing, and/or writing a film yourself in the future?
“I do. I love art and I love telling my side of the story. My Black woman side of the story that is just now beginning to have a shot at the screen.”
What do you believe is really important for young females to hear?
“Reclaim your time.”
Follow Zaria on Instagram at @zariazariazaria and stream Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and Two Distant Strangers on Netflix.
Meet the Author
Brianna Vacca is a Philadelphia-based writer. She has an unhealthy addiction to true crime documentaries, celebrity gossip, and writes overly dramatic sad songs.