EMPIRE WAIST - CATCHING UP WITH THE STARS AND THE FILM'S WRITER/DIRECTOR CLAIRE AYOUB

The new film, Empire Waist is a must see film that will leave you feeling confident and empowered.

Empire Waist stars Mia Kaplan as Lenore, Lenore Miller is a plus size, insecure teen whose talent for fashion is discovered by her confident, plus-sized classmate Kayla (Jemima Yevu) , forcing her into the spotlight—and into the path of both bullies and new friends.

Lenore’s father Mark (Rainn Wilson) is her biggest cheerleader, but the fears of her image-conscious mother (Miss Pyle) and Lenore’s own insecurities prevent her from wearing her own designs. Will Lenore ever feel the self-love she inspires in others?

Millions of people struggle with body image, but what is so uplifting about Empire Waist is its confident message of body positivity and acceptance. The cast in the film is absolutely wonderful and keep your eyes peeled for break out star Jemima Yevu who plays Kayla. Jemima, who has never acted before was discovered on Tik Tok.

Written and directed by Claire Ayoub, the film is a journey of self discovery and was a bit of a cathartic exprience for the writer/director. What is also cool about getting the word out is that Claire and the team are very proud of is in conjunction with the film’s theatrical release, the filmmakers will be unveiling the Empire Waist Confidence Curriculum — Sponsored by P&G’s Gillette Venus, who supports body inclusivity and loving your skin through their “My Skin, My Way” campaign, these 7 videos and 15 downloadable activities include personal interviews with the Empire Waist cast, tools from trusted health experts, and activities for viewers to work through their own journeys of self-worth. Whether you're a caregiver seeking tools to discuss self-confidence with a child or an adult working through your own body image challenges, the Empire Waist Confidence Curriculum provides valuable resources tailored for individuals’ needs.

I spoke with writer driector Claire Ayoub and the film’s two stars Mia Kaplan and Jemima Yevu about working on the film and what it meant to them on a personal level.

EMPIRE WAIST - In theaters Nationwide in the U.S. and Canada September 27, 2024