After a chance encounter with a director in a bar, singer Winnie Ama was cast in the recently released Supergirl film. The Belfast-based artist performed her original 2020 song, What Are We,
which was translated into an alien language for a scene set on the planet Bilquis.
From a London Bar to the Planet Bilquis
The journey for Winnie Ama began with an unexpected question: Would you like to be in my film?
Following a performance at a bar, the singer-songwriter was approached by the director of the new Supergirl movie. While the offer was the type of moment many artists dream of, it came with the unique challenge of integrating her music into a science-fiction narrative.
Two weeks after that initial meeting, Ama and her pianist attended an official audition. Despite her lack of prior acting experience, she secured the role. Following the casting, she moved directly into costume fittings.
Translating What Are We
for an Alien Audience
In the film, Ama appears as an alien performer in a space bar, singing her 2020 solo track, What Are We.
To ensure the song fit the fictional setting of the planet Bilquis, the production team hired an alien language specialist. The linguistic work was rigorous, focusing on the specific structure of the language created for the film.
“We went through each word and each syllable to make sure that the pronunciation was perfect for Bilquis,” she said. “He told me about the structure and the origins of the language that he created, which was so cool, because he’s the guy who created other alien languages like [Star Trek’s] Klingon.”
Winnie Ama, via BBC.co.uk
Ama noted that What Are We
explores themes of conflict, which mirrors the emotional journey of the film’s protagonist. The song captures the uncertainty of navigating strained relationships, whether with friends or housemates, where fundamental disagreements create unspoken tension.
The Physical Demands of the Bilquis Costume
The transformation into a Bilquis alien required a significant daily commitment during production. Ama’s routine involved early starts and a lengthy preparation process at the film set in Leavesden. The hair and makeup application, performed by hand, took approximately four hours to complete. At the conclusion of each day’s filming, the process was reversed to remove the effects.
“During production she would have to wake up at 4am to travel to the film set at Leavesden in time to get her Bilquis costume on.”
Winnie Ama, via Aol.com
Despite the grueling schedule and the physical demands of the role, Ama expressed enthusiasm for the experience, stating that she had always wanted to play an alien.
Supergirl and the Superhero Narrative
The Supergirl film, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock, departs from traditional superhero tropes. Ama believes the film is notable for its focus on a character who exhibits real, relatable emotions rather than adhering to more conventional archetypes. She described the film as quite ahead of its time,
emphasizing that it offers a fresh perspective on a character who has had fewer cinematic iterations compared to Superman.
