Usually when I think of women taking flight and leaving their obligations and worries behind, I think of wealthy, white women who have the means to pick up and go.
However, the new Netflix original Juanita, is challenging that stereotype. Juanita, played by Golden Globe award winning Alfre Woodard, is a no-nonsense protagonist who sets out on a journey to find happiness. Woodard spoke with The Knockturnal about her role, “It’s what we all want to do as artists, as women to actually have a playground to have no holds barred.”
Directed by Clark Johnson, the film includes a real religious ceremony with tribal members from the Piikani Nation. Indigenous actress Tsulan Cooper, who plays Mary, talked about the inclusivity of members of the indigenous community in this film, “In this film there was a great deal of respect given to the indigenous community, in that everything in the film was authentic and it was what the Piikani Nation was willing to share, they were very gracious.”
Although Blair Underwood had seemingly brief cameo scenes, he still played an integral part in Juanita’s life as her fantasy. Underwood touched on how he maneuvered through the role, “The story in many ways is about Alfre’s journey and searching for love and a new life, and a new aspect of life so whatever’s in her fantasy changes when she finds the real deal. What that looks like is very compelling and fun.”
Juanita debuted March 8th on Netflix.