On May 21, 2001, the independent film Our Song premiered, featuring a fresh-faced Kerry Washington in her very first movie role. Now 49, Washington recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the film, sharing a nostalgic photo from the set where she was just 24, sporting short ringlets and smiling alongside her castmates. The milestone prompted her to reflect on how the experience shaped her career and growth as a person, highlighting the significance of this film in her journey as an actress.
The Impact of ‘Our Song’ on Washington’s Life and Career
During a special screening commemorating the anniversary, Washington expressed deep gratitude for the role and those involved in the project. She wrote,
“Tonight we had a special screening for the 25th Anniversary of my very first feature film, OUR SONG. WOWWWW. It has been soooooooo long since I’ve seen the movie. Being a part of this film changed my life. This role, this cast, this crew, this director JIM MCKAY, and this experience, shaped me as not only an actor, but as a human. I am forever grateful. The film is beautiful and if you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend the watch!!!!!”
?Kerry Washington, Actress
Washington also sent a warm message to her co-star Melissa Martinez, who was unable to attend the event, stating,
“We missed you Melissa!!!!!! Love you,”
?Kerry Washington, Actress
The anniversary sparked fond memories among fans in the comments. One admirer said,
“Our Song was my movie as a kid!! I fell in love with Kerry Washington.”
Another noted,
“I used to wear this film OUT!!! I still have the DVD somewhere. Happy 25!”
Looking Back on Early Roles Before ‘Scandal’ Fame
Before achieving widespread recognition for her role as Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal, Washington reflected on her humble beginnings in an interview with Vanity Fair. She recalled earning her Screen Actors Guild card through an ABC after-school special, joking about her small but memorable part as a cheerleader.
“Little did I know, I’d spend seven seasons on ABC,”
she said, referring to her later television success.
Discussing Our Song, Washington described it as a really beautiful indie movie made on a limited budget. She shared insights into the production, recalling how transportation was handled by four metro cards rather than trucks and crews, and sometimes her mother drove cast members to filming locations.
“It was a very low-budget film, but I didn’t know how films were made. So our entire transpo department wasn’t a bunch of teamsters and trucks. It was like four metro cards, and sometimes my mom would drop us off. All of the cast members at our various homes.”
She praised the director Jim McKay, calling him someone she adores, and noted how working on the film was a learning experience. Washington said playing Chenille, a real girl in a New York marching band, felt like a dream come true each day.
“It was a really special movie. The director was Jim McKay, who I adore. And I learned so much making that movie. To be able to be in a film, playing a real girl in a marching band in New York. Every day, I felt like all of my dreams had come true.”
Additionally, Washington revealed that during the filming of Our Song, she learned about the movie Save the Last Dance, which starred Julia Stiles and led to her successful audition. She explained how her character Chenille was influenced by the real kids she worked with in Brooklyn.
“In a lot of ways my character Chenille was inspired by a lot of the real kids I was working with in Brooklyn filming ‘Our Song.’ For me, those films will always be very tied to each other.”
The Enduring Importance of ‘Our Song’ in Washington’s Career
The 25th anniversary of Our Song highlights a key moment in Kerry Washington’s early career, demonstrating how this modest independent film laid the foundation for her later accomplishments. The heartfelt reflections and fan responses show the lasting affection and respect for her debut role. Moving forward, this recognition not only honors Washington’s origins but also inspires new audiences to discover the film’s value and the beginnings of her impressive acting journey.
