CREW

Introducing the Lead Actors for Bento & Elysee in “FEELING”

We are thrilled to announce the talented actors who will be bringing the lead characters of Bento and Elysee to life. The roles of Bento & Elysee have been entrusted to Bakary Diallo and Essence Sommers, two extraordinary performers whose dedication and artistry promise to elevate this film to new heights.

Essence Sommers

NY-based actor Essence Sommers will portray Elysee, the heart in many ways of “FEELING.” With over 15 stage productions and short films to her credit, Essence has honed her craft to perfection. She earned her BA in Arts and Sciences at Delaware State University and continued to enhance her skills through numerous acting classes in 2023. Essence’s versatility as an actor, singer, and dancer has seen her shine in multiple lead roles in short films, debut in a commercial, and captivate audiences in the Off-Broadway play “Femmafia.” Essence is not only looking forward to embodying Elysee but also aims to leave her mark on the next Academy Award-winning film.

A statement from the Hilton on Essence’s portrayal of Elysee: “Essence’s  performance carried such a high level of verisimilitude, a level of which I initially wasn’t sure was achievable, but she completely and totally put that concern to rest. There was a remarkable fluidity in her portrayal and I am excited to see how she will further embody this character.”

Bakary Diallo will take on the role of Bento. Originally from Mali and now residing in New York City, Bakary is fluent in multiple languages and brings a rich cultural background to his acting. With a few years of experience in the industry, he has already seen his work featured in international festivals. Bakary is a multilingual actor with a rich cultural background and holds a BA in Applied Theatre from Daemen College. Bakary’s passion for soccer and his multifaceted talents make him an exciting addition to the cast. He is eager to apply his skills and knowledge to the role of Bento and is enthusiastic about the impact he can make in the film industry.

A statement from the Hilton on Bakary’s portrayal of Bento: “It is as though Bento has leaped off the page with Bakary’s portrayal. His cadence was extremely on point to the kind of character I had envisioned bento when I wrote the script since as early as his self-tape. Bakary’s dedication, enthusiasm and talent bring a depth to Bento that is truly captivating, and I am confident his performance will resonate deeply with audiences.”

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We are also excited to announce that Actor/Director Daisy Duarte will serve as FEELING’ acting coach. Daisy was present during our final round of casting and will work closely with our actors throughout the film’s production. Her statement on the casting: “We have found two actors who truly understand the core meaning of our story. They embody the characteristics and chemistry naturally, bringing the words to life in a beautiful and authentic way.”