Kosar Ali
Starz Series
Dangerous Liaisons
Photography Liam Bundy
Stylist Farrah O’Conner
Interview JoliAmour DuBose-Morris
For Kosar Ali, age is just a number. At nineteen years old, she’s an astronomical force in the entertainment industry. Ali’s first role as Sumaya in Rocks positioned her as the actress to beat in Gen Z’s red carpet list of upcoming talent, and rightfully so since her representation in the industry as a British Somali and Muslim actress disrupts Hollywood’s exclusive limitations. As a standing young woman of color, she is holding the mantle for other girls both her age and younger to feel noticed; as they’re reminded of their strength, poise, and needs to be celebrated.
Taking on the role of Victoire in Dangerous Liaisons, Starz’s period-drama series on all things seductive and destructive, the viewers can’t help to focus on Ali’s performance. A pattern seen as her prior character Sumaya acclaimed a table of nominations.
The teen actress shares her thoughts with us, unveiling the curtains of her acting experience, her favorite musicians, and her opinions on diversity and representation in the industry.
Camo Bomber Jacket, U Slim Shirt, Mermaid Skirt: Yohji Yamamoto, Trainers: Adidas
At only 19 years old, you’ve accomplished many things! What has your experience been like with acting?
I mean it’s crazy feels like I haven’t done enough, ha! Nonetheless, I’m very grateful to be working. My experience with acting honestly has been interesting, it’s a hate-love relationship. Sometimes, I feel amazing I like expressing myself and articulating myself physically but it’s moreso the “industry” that can sometimes take that fun away from it for me.
How do vou think Victoire compares to the other characters in Dangerous Liaisons? What causes her fight or flight mode?
I think Victoire is very different to the other characters in the show, she has her own thing going on emotionally, physically, and even position in that society. She is a black Muslim woman so her agency comes from wit and strategy, she has to be that way because she can’t afford to be like some of the other characters. I guess her fight or flight comes from the world around her, the alienation that comes with that and that strong instincts for survival and protection, furthermore she’s also just funny moral driven and honest.
Black and White Dress: Issey Miyake, White Shoes: Doctor Martens, Lustre of the Moon Earrings: Alighieri
Your role as Sumaya obtained a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 74th British Academy Awards. How did you prepare for such a character? Does she still resonate with you even though you’ve moved on?
I guess with Sumaya there wasn’t much preparation because I was street-casted, so I just walked into it and went with my gut. I very much still do that, I go with instinct and feeling. With Sumaya though, I think that preparation came from building that script with everyone, creating the house with the production teams who came to my house, etc. Her character became an extension of my own reality so it will be impossible to not resonate with her as she is a part of me.
Leather Outerwear, Grey Jeans, Aija patchwork Gloves: Acne Studios, Abundant Dream Hoop Earrings: Alighieri, Bally Longsleeve Mockneck Bodysuit: Commando, Black Leather Boots: Kalda
As a British, Somali, and Muslim teen actress, what is it like representing your culture and identity for the entirety of Hollywood? Do you feel that there is enough representation for young women like you in the industry?
Where do I start, haha! I mean it’s both a blessing and a curse in some ways. Whether I choose to or not, I fall into representing and being that role model, for a lack of better word, because there aren’t many other people in this industry who look like me which is something that has to change. It can feel a little pressuring at times because you want to do that right and set that precedent for those to follow because as we know there is a massive lack in Muslim representation. It’s such a simple thing but unfortunately people overthink it and have such weird and incorrect connotations attached to what it means to be Muslim.
Acupuncture 1993 Shoes, Coat, Scarf: Roksanda, Eclipse Double Sided Earrings: Lark and Berry
Who was in your Spotify Wrapped? We ask to know both the artists and the songs.
Fun question! The Weekend’s “Save Your Tears,” Sufjan Stevens’ ” Fourth of July / Visions of Gideon,” Oxlade’s “Ku Lo Sa.” and Frank Ocean’s ” Swim Good.”
What are your unpopular opinions about the film industry?
As huge horror fan, most horror films being made are not actually scary.
How have you seen Victoire’s character evolve over the season?
She most definitely evolves, and we see the journey of a girl finding her womanhood, her own voice and agency for change that’s so engrained within her identity.
Tulipa Skirt, Dayana Jacket, Poloneck, Adana Scarf: Roksanda, Black Suede Mary Janes: Matches Fashion
Photography
Interview
Creative Director
Stylist
Makeup
Web Layout
Brianna Moronta
Thank You
AMPR UK & Starz