Samantha Futerman In “The Motel”

In The Motel, Samantha Futerman plays Christine, the subject of a major crush by Ernest Chin, played by lead actor Jeffrey Chyau. Christine encourages Ernest to enter a story he has written about his life at “The Motel” in a writing contest at school where he eventually receives an honorable mention. The Christine/Ernest relationship is just one of the many relationships throughout the movie which viewers can relate to regardless of their skin color. Just 19 years old, Samantha already has a major motion picture under her belt. She was cast as Satsu, sister to Chiyo (Ziyi Zhang), and sent to the more vulgar Geisha House in the most dangerous part of town. Asiance Magazine spoke with Samantha on her latest role in her first Independent film, The Motel.

ASIANCE: Give us a little history about yourself.

Samantha: Korean. I was adopted. I went to a Performing Arts High School in New York City where I studied musical theatre. Now I’m at Boston University for acting.

ASIANCE: Are your parents Asian?

Samantha: No they are Caucasian.

ASIANCE: Growing up in a white family did you notice any prejudices at all?

Samantha: No not really. I was totally accepted. Some of my brother’s friends would say, “Hmmm why is your sister Asian?”

ASIANCE: How was it working with Jade and Alexis?

Samantha: It was great. Alexis is adorable. Jade is brilliant. It was fun hanging around with them. Alexis is just adorable.

ASIANCE: How was it working with Jeffrey?

Samantha: He was fun. Yeah all of us got along really well.

ASIANCE: Which do you like better? Film of Theatre?

Samantha: I’m use to doing stage. I like film a lot. I really, really enjoy it but I also love doing stage. I love doing live theatre. I love to see it too.

ASIANCE: What is the big difference from film to stage?

Samantha: Everything!

ASIANCE: What is the best thing?

Samantha: Telling someone a story. Sometimes it’s hard, like making yourself cry. That’s a battle with me. There are going to be some roles that are harder? Sometimes is anger, sometimes its comedy. Everyday it’s different.

ASIANCE: Favorite film?

Samantha: I like “Me, You and Everyone we know” by Gina Kwon. I liked “Garden State”.

ASIANCE: Would you ever want to direct?

Samantha: Maybe?

ASIANCE: Who would you die to work with?

Samantha: Tim Burton

ASIANCE: Any actresses you look up to?

Samantha: I look up to Gong Li. I got to work with her in “Memoirs of a Geisha” which was really amazing. She’s brilliant. I love Rachel McAdams.

ASIANCE: What is important for you to say to Asian American women?

Samantha: Don’t be afraid to do what you know. Don’t mold yourself into what others want you to be, especially stereotypes. Just be yourself.

ASIANCE: Ultimate role?

Samantha: I always wanted to play Kim in Miss Saigon. It’s so beautiful.

ASIANCE: So you sing?

Samantha: Yes. And Dance. I take Hip hop.