This story is taken from the spring 2024 issue of Dazed. Pre-order a copy of the magazine here.

MALCOLM KAMULETE

“I try to be a reflection of my culture at all times. I feel it is what is authentic about my form of storytelling”

After stepping into the spotlight as Ra’Nell in the influential series Top Boy, Malcolm Kamulete has been a subject of numerous rumours about his next endeavours. What remains certain is Kamulete’s unwavering commitment to his acting career, evident in his recent standout performances in the short film “Area Boy” and the BBC series Champion. Both mark a compelling resurgence in his journey.

MIA MCKENNA-BRUCE

“I will forever have a deep, deep love for How to Have Sex and every person on it. It’s changed my life in more ways than one”

With her performance as Tara in How to Have Sex, a shattering drama about the intricacies of consent and female autonomy, Mia McKenna-Bruce rightly earned herself a spot on the nominees list for the Baftas’ Rising Star Award. Her nomination is a testament to the natural and authentic flair that she brings to each of her roles.

LARA PEAKE

“I liked what Emma Stone said recently about keeping your skin thin. You’re told so much that you need to have a thick skin in this industry, but we’re telling human stories so we need to feel deeply and allow these emotions to take over, rather than resist them”

A fearless performer unafraid to explore her messy side, Lara Peake respects those who are both “rebellious and vulnerable all at once”. With her role as Skye in Molly Manning Walker’s How to Have Sex, it is clear she takes this statement literally, embodying a character who is both vulnerable in her jealousy but rebellious in her actions.

MOLLY MANNING WALKER

“I am constantly writing down stuff that I overhear or watching how people interact with each other. I like the weirdness of real life. It’s way better than fiction”

With a debut film winning the Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival, many questions enter the equation. Who made this film? Who is in the film? And more importantly, why is this film so special? For Molly Manning Walker, acclaimed cinematographer and director, the answer to the last question was simple. Vulnerability and reality – both of which underpin How to Have Sex, her devastating drama exploring the complexities of consent through the female gaze.

JOSHUA CAMERON

“I just use all the ‘nos’ and ‘I’m sorry it didn’t go your ways’ as fuel to keep me pushing, keep me striving... You’ve got to remain active. Your body is your tool: train it, perfect it and let your talent do the talking”

Embarking on his acting journey at the tender age of eight as young Simba in the stage adaptation of The Lion King, Joshua Cameron is now shaping his adult identity in the realm of performing. His latest role as Eli in the short film “Area Boys” showcases a nuanced portrayal of a young boy torn between delinquent friends and his religious identity, marking a notable chapter in Cameron’s evolving career.

JASON OKUNDAYE

“I think when you’re Black, gay and a writer everyone wants to say you’re inspired by Baldwin – I do love him, but it’s really not as conveniently neat as that”

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in human, social and political sciences and leading the university’s Black and minority ethnic society, Jason Okundaye dedicates his career to writing about politics and culture, specifically racism in British society and the LBGTQ+ community. His first book, Revolutionary Acts, is set for release this spring.

ANIEFIOK EKPOUDOM

“Craft is everything. I read a lot, and I read widely too. I also find and sometimes transcribe interviews with writers whose work I feel is incredible. I’ve picked up a lot of gems that way”

Aniefiok Ekpoudom, an accomplished writer, intricately captures the narratives of contemporary life in Britain. His latest book, Where We Come From, eloquently delves into the vibrant tapestry of the UK’s grime scene, showcasing Ekpoudom’s skilful exploration of a cultural phenomenon.

Hair KIM RANCE at LGA MANAGEMENT using AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT, make-up REBECCA DAVENPORT at LGA MANAGEMENT using MAKE UP FOR EVER, set design CAMILLA BYLES, photographic assistants JOE PETINI, SINCLAIR JASPARD MANDY, styling assistants ARIELLE NEUHAUS GOLD, JENSON KAY-POLLEY, NINA GAHRÉN WILLIAMSON, hair assistants ANOUSHKA DANIELLE, EL-FRIDA IBRAHIM DIKKO, REVE RYU, make-up assistants INDIA HAFFNER, VICTORIA TODD, set design assistants EDDIE AMOS, JOE WINTER, PENNY OLIVER, production GRACE CONWAY at PUNDERSONS GARDENS, casting MISCHA NOTCUTT at 11CASTING