With feature film Girl releasing last year, Le’Shantey Bonsu booked her first major acting role playing Ama opposite a cast including Déborah Lukumuena as her on-screen mother Grace, and the film was written and directed by Adura Onashile. At the 2023 British Independent Film Awards, Le’Shantey was nominated for Breakthrough Performance, and at this year’s London Critics Circle Film Awards, she was nominated for Young British/Irish Performer of the Year. Le’Shantey filmed for the LEGO commercial, which featured footballers Marcus Rashford and Thierry Henry, and she is set to appear in an unannounced project. Recently, we chatted to Le’Shantey about playing Ama in the feature film Girl, having the project as her first major acting role and being nominated for awards for her portrayal of the character.

Can you tell us about the feature film Girl and your character Ama?

Ama is an 11-year-old girl who is very outgoing. However, she is not able to explore a lot of things due to her mum (Grace)’s cautiousness.

Was there anything that drew you to the role of Ama and what was she like to play?

A thing that drew me to Ama was how close she is with her mum. Me and my mum have a very close relationship so it was quite easy recreating a mother and daughter bond.

What was it like on set of Girl and being directed by Adura Onashile (who also wrote the script)?

Being on set with Miss Adura was amazing. She gave me helpful tips that I will be able to use for future jobs. Whenever I made mistakes, she wouldn’t get angry or mad, she would just guide me until I understood.

How was it having Ama as your first major acting role and what do you feel you’ve learnt from working on the project?

Playing Ama as my first major role was a dream come true. The role of Ama taught me how to listen to others and how to take other people’s feelings/actions into consideration. This is because when you are acting you are working with other actors so you have to be aware.

How did you find the experience attending the 2023 British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) and how did you feel being nominated for Breakthrough Performance?

It was an amazing experience, just being a nominee felt like I’ve accomplished a milestone in my acting career at a young age and also sitting in the same room with actors I watch on TV was unbelievable!

You were recently nominated for Young British/Irish Performer of the Year at the 2024 London Critics Circle Film Awards, how was this?

When I found out I was nominated for another award, I was just happy and felt very grateful, although I didn’t win, I still achieved another milestone as being nominated.

Can you tell us about working on the LEGO commercial with Marcus Rashford and Thierry Henry?

Working with Thierry Henry and Marcus Rashford was such a stargazing moment. I’ve always been a huge fan of Marcus Rashford, due to being a Manchester United supporter. I also look up to Thierry Henry and his previous skills on the pitch.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

My love for acting came from when I would watch other young black actors on TV and wanting to act like them. For example, Marsai Martin. In primary school, we always used to do some improvisation and did a play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. My mum then saw the potential in me to become an actor and signed me up to do an audition to be part of an acting agency.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Oh there’s a lot, some of my all-time favourite TV shows/films are The Hate U Give, Annie (2014), The Princess and the Frog and The Woman King.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I like to spend my time away from acting by doing some drawings, playing Roblox and road trips.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping this year brings for you?

Yes, but unfortunately I can’t disclose that, however, look out for it. I am hoping this year brings me opportunities in the US.

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