Sofia Rooney shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sofia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My capability to function in a society that isn’t necessarily built for the ways in which my brain works. It has been an arduous path to building the foundation I am now standing on, and every brick has taken its toll. For better or worse. I am proud of either.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a storyteller first and foremost, and my media of choice are poetry, fiction writing, photography and film. The way I have approached my professional career is somewhat unconventional, or at least it seems to be based on what is suggested for a “business” within late stage capitalism.
I prioritise not a streamlined brand, but an ability to communicate and reach people, even if it be only two hearts in the ocean that is a population. Some may call this unrealistic, naive or nonsensical. Others may call it insufferable. Perhaps they are right, I do take in less money because of my choices, but I find it a better investment in myself, my mind, my heart, and my connection to people in my one life this way.
I am currently working on a few scripts and two books of poetry to be published, hopefully, soon.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Authors. I would not be where I am nor who I am if I had not found the authors that shaped me when I was a toddler. They reflect myself back at me before I even realised what the world looked like, or how vast it was. It is as if they reached out of the page and asked me to become who I wanted to be before I knew what that was.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would ask her to respond to any adult who will come to demand of her to stop daydreaming with an eager grin. Her daydreaming and introspection is what is, and will be, special about her. I would ask her to treasure it, and brandish it as both a sword and a deep love for the world.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That a big budget and social media following automatically equates an impactful, interesting and meaningful story.
That the people within whitewashed walls sitting at plastic desks using their biases to reject passionate people without resources or privilege are the best authority on what makes great films, books, art.
That those who hold the money do not desperately need the artists they take advantage of to have any success at all.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I made my most joyful and hopeful work during my angriest and most melancholic days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sofiarooney.com
- Instagram: @sofiawritesthings
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