INTERVIEW BY IRVIN RIVERA

Ava Michelle talked to us about her experiences on set, and being able to share the narratives of her character Jodi, the Tall Girl. This is not just a story of an individual who triumphed against bullying but rather someone who recognized the power of self-love and acceptance. It's also about knowing that beauty and talent comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes.

Did you experience any of the struggles that your character Jodi experienced in the movie? How did you eventually overcome them?

AM: Oh for sure! One thing that I realized is that we had a very similar emotional journey. Our environments were not exactly the same but the ways that we dealt with things were very similar. I was mocked because of my height. So many people would come up to me and comment, “Oh my gosh, you’re so tall!” and that made me feel so self-conscious that I allowed it to define me for a bit.

But overcoming it, finding self-love and accepting myself for who I am is the story that I really wanted to tell through Jodi. I was really able to relate to it so much. The biggest difference between me and Jodi was that Jodi didn’t really have someone immediate to relate to, as well as a support system from a family. And my mom was always that one for me. Not only because she’s tall herself but she also knows the right things to say in every moment.

What’s it been like for you to be front and center and leading your very own movie?

AM: I still can’t believe it. It’s still so surreal. I really thought that my dreams were huge but then you book something like this and you get the part of the lead with a cast this talented; it’s so beyond my wildest dreams. It was crazy and I honestly thought it was going to be a lot of pressure and I thought that I was going to be really nervous but because the people around me were so supportive and so amazing; they all made it easier for me. I still wake up and I’m like “What? I’m in a movie? I’m a lead? What?! I saw it for the first time and I was like, “This is weird.” Because I haven’t seen myself like that.

For more from Ava’s interview and amazing photoshoot, make sure to grab a copy of her issue as a portion of the proceeds from her book will be going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

See Ava Michelle as Jodi in Tall Girl only on Netflix!