Sofia Sanchez – The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

By starrymag | December 6, 2023

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) I know that probably you were just a kid when the novels and film series were released but before joining The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes were you already familiar with the franchise and if so, what was your perception about it?

 

A) I had heard about The Hunger Games…My parents and my big brothers were big fans, but I hadn’t seen the movie. When I got the audition for BOSS I bought the book and started reading it! My mom let me watch the first Hunger Games and I was hooked. I love it now!!! I love Katniss! And now of course Lucy Gray!

 

Q) What could you say that was something that made you want to be part of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?

 

A) I really loved the character Wovey, so when I got the audition, I was excited to act out her part and her lines. My audition was Wovey’s death scene and originally the line was “Is it food? Is it food?” which we all laugh about because I LOVE food. So, it wasn’t too hard to act that out. I also got to learn how to scream at the top of my lungs. I had never done that before, and it took some practice!!!!

 

Q) How was your character Wovey described to you?

 

A) Wovey was described as hungry and weak…scared, but also the director and stunt director said Wovey was actually very smart to run and hide instead of getting involved in the fighting. So, Wovey is smart, hungry and brave.

 

Q) What did you enjoy the most about playing Wovey and what was the hardest part of portraying this character?

 

A) I loved EVERYTHING about Wovey! She’s a lot like me – brave! I loved taking direction and learning my stunts. The hardest part was the truck scene where we get dumped into the zoo. That was a little scary in the dark, but my costars took care of me, and we got through the scene!!! I was super proud of myself! They used stunt doubles for when we actually fell out of the truck but the scene where it tips is all us!!!

 

Q) As an actress, how did you prepare yourself in order to bring Wovey to life?

 

A) I did a lot of practice with my lines with my mom…We explored different ways of saying my lines and I practiced getting into character and really imagining myself as Wovey. Every morning in hair and makeup I would look in the mirror and say “goodbye Sofia!” Then “hello Wovey.” Then, at the end of the day when we got out of costume I would say, “You’re back Sofia!!!!”

 

Q) Talk about working with the cast of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

 

A) I love the cast. We were one big Hunger Games family. EVERYONE was so nice, and we all got along so well. We laughed so much and had lots of time to play and get to know each other. I got really close to all the kids in the cast…the four of us!!! Luna [Kuse], Knox [Gibson] and Cooper [Dillon] (Dill, Bobbin and Mizzen)…We were the only tributes who were actually kids!!!!

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming this movie?

 

A) My favorite moments were getting dirty manicures every day!!! Also, all the food on set was fun…I love food! But most of all it was seeing all the amazing places we filmed in Germany and Poland. So beautiful and full of history. I learned so much and got to do so much travel.

 

Q) What did you personally take away from your time working on this iconic film?

 

A) My biggest takeaway…that I love to act and take direction. It makes me feel proud. I also love the chance to meet everyone and spread love and joy. I want everyone to know that having a disability is just no big deal. It’s just a part of me and we all get be together and work together and love one another.

 

Q) I am aware that besides acting, you are also a model and an activist, how do you manage to combine each of these roles in life?

 

A) I love my life…I love that I get to do so many different things. I love school and being a cheerleader. I love my friends and family. Modeling is SO fun for me and I ROCK the red carpets…I want to do more red carpets they are so fun. I am making my books, and I cannot wait for my third book You Are Brave because I get to share with people that trying new things is how we grow and find out what makes us shine. Being brave has let me do all the cool amazing things like modeling, acting and speaking to people and sharing my story.

 

Q) Your life story has been a source of inspiration for at least two very successful picture books named You Are Enough and You Are Loved and I know that there is another one soon to be released named You Are Brave. What does it mean for you to be such an inspiration for a lot of people out there?

 

A) I love sharing my story so that people know that anything is possible if you try and work hard and never give up. I want people to know that having a disability is ok! That it’s just a part of who you are. Being different is good and beautiful. We all belong. My books help me share my message to more people and especially children!

 

Q) I know that you have an upcoming TED TALK for Reno, Nevada. What can you tell us about it and what does this experience mean to you?

 

A) I’m working on my Ted Talk right now…We are trying to decide what my topic will be because I have SO many things I want to share. Stay tuned…I’m excited!

 

Q) With such a young age, your professional experience is broad and goes from acting in successful TV series and films, modeling for renowned brands, inspiring critically acclaimed books and also, you have been a tremendous advocate for the Down Syndrome community everywhere you go so from here and on, where do you see yourself going personally and professionally speaking?

 

A) I want to continue to do theater, movies, voiceover, TV, modeling, speaking…I love it all. I also want to graduate high school and maybe go to college. I love LIFE…and I cannot wait to see what’s next. I can’t wait to walk a runway someday in NYC (my favorite city) and LA!! I’m going to run my first 5k in January! The sky is the limit!

 

Q) Is there any dream role you would like to portray in the future?

 

A) My dream role is to be in a Barbie movie…Barbie with Down Syndrome. I also would love to be the first princess with Down Syndrome for Disney! I’m also hoping my books become a cartoon series!!!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do and are inspired by you?

 

A) I want to say THANK YOU….thank you for loving me and seeing me as a capable actor and not focusing on my disability or seeing just that. It’s just a small part of me and I have so much more to offer! Thank you to the Hunger Games fans especially for opening their arms big and wide to me!  Team Wovey forever!