Full name: Joanna Reed Sotomura
Age: 28
Ethnic background: Japanese, German
Where she was born: Honolulu, Hawaii
Where she was raised: Honolulu, Hawaii
In Wong Fu’s very first feature-length film, Everything Before Us, Joanna Sotomura stars as Anna, who is introduced as Ben’s co-worker and later becomes his newest girlfriend. As Ben spends more time with his ex-girlfriend, Sara, through a mural project, Anna grows uneasy of their rekindling relationship.
About the film:
1. Describe your character in three words.
Quick, Ambitious, Critical.
2. What is the most crucial part of being in a romantic relationship?
Trust, communication and a shared sense of humor. Trust and communication will help you build a strong foundation and the humor will get you through the toughest of times.
3. What would your real-life relationship score be, and why?
I feel like a solid 87 is a good answer. That’s like a B+ right?
4. Any bloopers or memorable episodes on set?
Aaron Yoo, Chris Riedell and I had a scene together and Phil encouraged us to “play” with it. The guys wanted to do the whole take in these weird Kermit the Frog voices and I agreed! I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing! It definitely didn’t make it into the final cut.
5. What is your opinion of Wong Fu as film directors?
I am a huge fan of these guys. They had such a beautiful vision for this film and I am just happy they trusted me to be a part of it. I laughed every single day on set and felt so lucky to be a piece of their story. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for them.
About Joanna:
1. What always makes you laugh?
My little sister…and watching the Try Guys on Buzzfeed
2. Your go-to comfort food?
Sweet potato fries, good sushi, thin mints, spam musubi, anything with peanut butter
3. Currently on “repeat” on your ipod?
Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph”
4. A guilty pleasure you don’t feel guilty about?
Loving Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph”
5. Current favorite place?
Watching an outdoor movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I swear it’s not as creepy as it sounds!
6. Favorite drink, alcoholic or otherwise?
A nice glass of Pinot Noir or a peanut butter smoothie…I’m not picky 🙂
7. Current obsessions?
PINTEREST!
8. Pet peeve?
People who belittle others to make themselves feel bigger
9. Habit you need to break?
Telling myself “I can’t”
10. Hidden talent?
I can rap Watsky’s “Whoa Whoa Whoa”
11. Talent you’d like to have?
I wish I could paint
12. Word or phrase you most overuse?
F*ck it
13. Favorite hashtag?
#beyonce
14. Greatest fear?
Losing the people I love
15. If you weren’t doing what you are doing now, what occupation would you be doing?
I’d open a greeting card company with my little sister
Want to get to know the rest of the cast? Click here to learn more about Katie Savoy, Chris Riedell, Ki Hong Lee, Randall Park, Victoria Park and Brittany Ishibashi. Be on the look out for profiles on the rest of the cast coming soon! Everything Before Us is currently available on Vimeo. Click below to check it out.
