Meet Djaka Souaré | Actress & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Djaka Souaré and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Djaka, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think my determination and willpower have been key in bringing me where I am today. Denzel Washington says “If you hang around the barbershop long enough, sooner or later you gonna get a haircut.” I love that quote. It keeps me going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My multicultural background – my African roots, my French culture, the complexity of living at the intersection of cultures – play a major role in my storytelling. Especially now that multicultural and multidimensional voices have the opportunity to be heard! I was born and raised in Paris, France to a Caucasian Mother and a Guinean Father. I started acting at an early age and soon traveled the world with my Art, living in Paris, Oakland, Hong Kong, New York, now in Los Angeles. The challenges and lessons learnt along the way have shaped my artistic vision on many levels. And, as an artist, one of my biggest breakthroughs happened the moment I gave myself permission to write and direct my own stories! And surrounded myself with like-minded friends/artists who supported my vision!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Los Feliz next to Griffith Park so I’d definitely take my friend on a hike to the observatory (for a “Rebel without a cause” moment ; ) Then I would head to SQIRL for lunch, their Sorrel Pesto rice is my absolute favorite. If it’s a Sunday, I’d venture to MELROSE TRADING POST, I love to explore the flea market and, last time I was there, I bought this gorgeous rose gold hat that I’m now completely obsessed with. For dinner, I’d head to Thai town for the most delicious Thai food: JITLADA is a must and has been there forever – you can spot it in one of my favorite movies: Jim Jarmusch’s NIGHT ON EARTH. I also have to shout out the Frenchies at LE FIGARO BISTROT. I shouldn’t tell you but their Happy Hour is the best in town! For drinks, THE FRIEND.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I think of when it comes to support, encouragement, and love! First, I have to shout out my partner in crime, actress & filmmaker Alana De Freitas. We’ve been writing, developing projects and pushing each other since the pandemic started, and this fall, we’ll be shooting a proof of concept/short film for an amazing horror/comedy we’ve been working on. I also have to shout out the most brilliant actor & director Anthony Mark Barrow, whose coaching and belief in my abilities as an actress pushed me to transcend myself in unimaginable ways. And my dialect coach Gaby Santinelli who has changed my life! Last but not least, I want to shout out Jenn Page and the BlackMagic Collective, who just selected me as one of eight performers to be part of their 2021/2022 Emerging Actors Initiative. I’m beyond excited to be part of such a gifted group of fellow actors and start the program!

Website: https://www.djakasouare.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djaka1/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djakasouare/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/djakasouare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Djaka1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN4xq7yPP3KZfY7hTYlM1Q

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2824588/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Image Credits
Main horizontal image: Glass Darkly Photography FOR LIFE poster: Courtney McAllister Photography ON set Photo (Welding): Julie Logan Photography