Emmanuel Itier: How did you get in this film, knowing that you had to interpret someone still alive and so real like Erin Gruwell?

Hilary Swank: It added another level of pressure and responsibility to play someone still alive and with such an amazing story. You feel this pressure and responsibility, but you also want to bring it to life. Erin is alive and she will watch the movie, so for sure I feel the pressure. It´s amazing to have your life story told on the screen. Like for me, I don´t know if I want to see my life on the screen–not that there is too much anything worth it about it, but it was an honor for sure…

EI: How did you approach this film–on top of being an actress–as a producer?

HS: Well, I took the credit of executive producer to make sure the film would make it to the big screen. I really believed in it, and I wanted to see it told. It was my way of making it get made with the studio. I´m in a position where I can do that. I wanted to be involved also creatively once we got it going. I was also very much involved with the music side of it, because I knew this was an important part of it. We had so many great acts, like Common. And we had this great song, “A Dream,” sung by Common  and William. It was more than I could dream for the soundtrack. So yes, for me it was a way to get more involved with this film.

EI: Going deep into the world of teachers and these kids, what did you find out about them that surprised you the most?

HS: It was amazing to hear about their stories and to hear what these kids had to live through in such young lives. They are just kids and they had, some of them, the worse experiences. They didn’t close themselves off and they allowed themselves to be open and to do the work themselves. Erin for sure inspired them with her belief in them, but they are the ones who really did the work. They were constantly in the moment and present. They really blew my mind…

EI: Do you think a movie like this can inspire people out there?

HS: Yes, I really think so.  I hope so. It’s also great watching Erin going around and teaching teachers, and telling them what she did and what can work for these kids, and how to think outside of the box. Because in the end, every single kid deserves a fighting chance. It’s important for people to believe in everyone and to give an opportunity in life. 

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