Michelle Heard makes history as the first brazilian to star in a film at the Buff (British Urban Film Festival)

Luca Moreira
4 Min Read
Michelle Heard
Michelle Heard

Young singer, actress, songwriter, and dancer Michelle Heard will be the first Brazilian to shine at the prestigious Buff (British Urban Film Festival) in London with the film “Free Bird,” which is competing for Best Film. The production emotionally tells the story of Leah (played by Heard), a young woman diagnosed with cancer, and her brother Joshua (Wilson Benedito), addressing themes such as mental health, family relationships, and faith, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity. In addition to her promising film career, the artist is making waves in music, with the single “I’m Feel Like I’m Heaven” gaining popularity on Brazilian radio and a tour planned for the near future.

What was it like for you to play Leah in Free Bird, a role that addresses such sensitive issues as cancer and mental health?

I already felt I had a mental attachment to Leah, which made my role easier.

How did you prepare yourself emotionally to bring Leah to life, especially considering the depth of the family relationships explored in the film?

⁠I just had to focus putting myself in Leah’s position, so I had to think like Leah in every way, and how she handled having cancer – as well as how she related to her brother and friends.

You have excelled in both film and music. How do you balance these two passions in your career?

The balance between music and singing is not too difficult, as they compliment each other. However, going to school and doing homework as well is more of a challenge, as it takes up so much time and I try really hard too at academic subjects, so it gives less time for my singing and acting.

Your single I’m Feel Like I’m Heaven has been a hit on Brazilian radio stations. What do you hope audiences in Brazil feel when they hear your music?

I am so pleased I Feel like I’m in Heaven has been played on the radio a lot in Brazil. When people listen, I hope they understand most of the words, and that the song makes them feel calm and happy.

What was the experience like of participating in major theater productions in London, such as Wicked and Romeo and Juliet? Did these experiences influence your performance in Free Bird?

Appearing in shows in London did not really have a lot of influence on acting as Leah in Free Bird, as acting in shows requires a different style of acting to acting in films. It is all good experience though.

Michelle Heard
Michelle Heard

Free Bird is competing in the prestigious Buff. What is it like for you to represent Brazil at such an important international film festival?

⁠Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to represent Brazil in a Film Festival one day. I would be so proud to represent Brazil – but my Portuguese (language) would have to improve a bit I think.

You mentioned the desire to connect more with your Brazilian roots. What are you most looking forward to exploring on your upcoming tour in Brazil?

The next time I go to Brazil, most of all I want to visit the places I grew up in like Diamantina, and other places I visited – and also to see my mum’s family and friends there who were always so kind to me.

Follow Michelle Heard on Instagram

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