Lakeview Girl Stars in Critically Acclaimed Short Film

Meet Lakeview's rising star Dennise Gregory.

The 12-year-old honor student at in Malverne shows off her acting chops in the much acclaimed short film, "Say Grace Before Drowning," by director Nikyatu Jusu. The film has been showcased at numerous film festivals in the past year including the New York African Film Festival in April and the Chicago Film Festival in October, where at both, Dennise fielded all the questions from the press since her director could not attend. Earlier this month, the film debuted on HBO and Showtime. 

Dennise plays 8-year-old Hawa, a young girl who was conceived when her mother (Grace) was raped while living in civil-war-torn West Africa. After several years of separation, mother and daughter reunite in the United States, where Hawa has been living with a surrogate family.

Through the eyes of Gregory's character, the audience sees the unraveling of Grace's mental state as she copes with the demons from her past and unsusccessfully tries to adjust to life in America and being a mother to Hawa. The film's climax shows a self-destructive Grace that is prepared to take her own life as well as that of her young daughter. (You'll have to watch the movie to see what happens.)

The story was inspired by the life experiences of Jusu's cousin, who like Grace, endured brutal rape and torture at a young age while living in Sierra Leone, which was ravaged by civil war from 1991-2001. The trauma had lasting effects on her cousin's mental state and her ability to care for her daughter.

Patch recently interviewed Dennise to find out what it was like to be a part of this project and what her goals are for the future.

Patch: When did you start acting?

Dennise: I was 9 years old when I started acting. "Say Grace Before Drowning" was my first lead role straight out of acting school.

Patch: What was it like to work on this film?

Dennise: The crew made me feel like I was family. It was fun and very exciting.

Patch: I know you're also an honor student. How did you juggle school work while filming?

Dennise: My mother made sure I had all school materials I needed to study while on the set.

Patch: Besides acting, what else do you enjoy doing?

Dennise: I'm involved in Select Choir, Junior Honor Society and I was on the volleyball team. I also enjoy writing poetry and short stories.

Patch: Do you plan to pursue acting as a career?

Dennise: Yes, I would love to pursue my acting career. I would love to be featured in a comedy or action film. Right now, I'd also like to have my own Disney show.

Patch: What was the most challenging part of this film? 

Dennise: The most challenging part was the drowning scene. I taught myself how to swim due to this film.

Patch: How about the most fun part?

Dennise:...putting on lipstick!

Patch: So did you watch the Academy Awards this Sunday? Who were you rooting for?

Dennise: I watched the Oscars with my mother. I was rooting for "The Help" and Viola Davis.

Patch: Is there anything else you want our readers to know about Dennise Gregory?

Dennise:  I'm a motivated young girl. I just need the world to see me as I am: a talented young child of God. I thank God for my mother, for having the time and patience to work with me.

Click here to watch Dennise Gregory in "Say Grace Before Drowning." (Warning: The film does contain nudity and adult content.)