Nothing But Love for “The Hate U Give” Star
Another indie film that stirred up the critical acclaim pot after its debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival was “The Hate U Give”. The film, which is based on the New York Times bestseller by Angie Thomas, tells the story of a young girl named Starr, who attempts to navigate two completely separate worlds that she is simultaneously part of: a poor and majority black neighbourhood and a rich, majority white prep school. Her life takes a sudden turn when her childhood best friend is shot and killed by a police officer, forcing her to overcome the pressures of both sides and stand up for her own beliefs. Starr is played by Amandla Stenberg, who has recently jumped into the spotlight and is taking over the entertainment industry by storm with her powerful opinions and multifaceted abilities. “The Hate U Give” comes to theatres this Friday Oct.19th, so here are 3 things you need to know about Amandla before her Starring moment.
#3: She Played Rue in “The Hunger Gamesâ€
The smash hit of 2012, “The Hunger Gamesâ€, is based on the popular book series of the same name that began to be released in 2008. The film is set in the fictional nation of Panem, where once a year 24 children between the ages of 12 and 18 compete in a winner-take-all battle to the death. Amandla Stenberg played Rue, a 12-year-old girl who becomes a friend and ally to the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. While she is only in the film for a few scenes, Stenberg’s character manages to pack a serious emotional punch.
#2: She Went to Her Prom with Jaden Smith
Unlike most girls her age, Amandla Stenberg didn’t have to stress when her high school prom rolled around. Instead, she went with fellow actor Jaden Smith, who many will recognize as the son of Hollywood royalty Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. The two up-and-comers posed for pictures together, with Stenberg rocking a bronze dress and Smith choosing to wear a black blazer over a lengthy black and white shift dress, accessorizing with a white and gold fingerless glove. The two actors must have made quite the entrance upon arrival!
prom. pic.twitter.com/BZVq7TDva8
— Amandla (@amandlastenberg) May 30, 2015
#1: She’s a Multi-Talented Musician
If by now you’re still not head-over-heels for Amandla Stenberg, this fact ought to do it. Not only is she a fantastic actor with a badass name who takes other celebrities to prom before shutting down cultural appropriation, Stenberg is also a multi-talented folk-rock musician! In 2013, she began making music with her friend Zander Hawley, and two years later, they released an EP under the name Honeywater. Stenberg plays the violin and sings, but is also capable of playing the guitar and the drums. Damn, is there anything this girl can’t do?! Watch out world, Amandla Stenberg is coming for you!
For even more information on the lead of “The Hate U Give”, including some shade thrown at Kylie Jenner and the meaning behind her unique name, check out the MsMojo video below for the Top 5 Things to Know About Amandla Stenberg.Â
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