COME AWAY: David Oyelowo on Creating a World Where All Children Can Thrive

“Don’t let life bring you down, just keep floating above it.” – David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo uses his life experiences as fuel in front of the camera. The British actor and producer has starred in major films across the world including Selma, Queen Of Katye, The Butler, and A Wrinkle In Time.

Despite his global success, Oyelowo is a parent first. A father of four, David is insistent on creating a world that reflects a reality where his children can thrive. Oyelowo stars in Come Away, a reimagined tale that combines Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan into young siblings that must save their parents from despair and imagination.

We spoke to David Oyelowo and Kiera Chanca about crafting this union of well-told children’s stories into one new adventure.

“It’s very imaginative. I loved these stories growing up, but I never saw myself in them, and therefore never connected with them personally.”

“I realized my passion for this was to help mold and tell this story for a new generation to feel that connection.”

Kiera Chansa spoke on filling the shoes of Alice and the emotional journey.

“For me, I never expected this chance to happen to someone like me. To see this character be portrayed by someone who looks like me. That’s magical.”

In addition to David Oyelowo and Kiera Chansa, Come Away stars Angelina Jolie, Micahel Cain, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Derek Jacobi, and Anna Chancellor. The movie is now playing in theaters and available to stream online.