Benee has made her acting debut in the new film 'HEAD SOUTH', based on a local teenager's “almost-true story” of starting a post-punk band from scratch.
The trailer dropped earlier this week, teasing the rollercoaster story of Christchurch teen Angus, “a naive teenager living in 1979 who, without any musical experience, plans a gig for his (not yet existing) post-punk band at the local rock music venue.”
“Alone for a fortnight with his world-weary father, who is going through his own crisis of identity, Angus navigates self-doubt, derision, harmful behavior, and a family tragedy to take the stage for the first time,” explains the film's synopsis.
In the film, Benee plays Kirsten, a guitarist Angus is desperate to impress.
“I love her attitude - it’s just so sassy, but it’s independent and strong,” Benee says. “I guess it’s everything I kind of love in this modern female twist. We’re making a comeback, we’re taking the power!”
I can also relate because she’s outspoken and unapologetic - she’s a badass, to be honest.
This is Benee’s first film and acting role on the big screen, and it came with a lot of self-imposed pressure to impress her fellow actors.
“Before filming, I was definitely nervous to act,” she said about her debut.
She was worried the other actors would think she was “really bad,” but after watching the trailer, I don’t know about you, but I’m buzzing to see more.
“There was a lot of doubt, but everything was fine," she said before crediting director Jonathan Ogilvie for guiding her every step of the way.
When asked if she’d take any inspiration from the post-punk scene into her own music, Benee said it’s always been something she’s wanted to explore.
“It’s weird because with some of the newer music I’ve been making, I’ve definitely had the idea of punk in my head, even though I’m definitely not punk or trying to be..."
She added: “With that floating around in my brain, [I’m thinking] this is a cool attitude and a cool wave of music.”
There are lots of elements I really love, so I might take that into my future music-making.
'HEAD SOUTH' hits theatres around the country tonight.
