Jessi Case on Her New Film "American Refugee"

The 21-year-old actress talks about her new film, working with Jennifer Aniston, and the biggest moment of her career.

Photos: Ben Cope | Styling: Anna Schilling | Glam: Blondie for Exclusive Artists Management

How has the last year changed you, both as a creator and as a person?

Being a creator and a person are the same thing because as people we're always creating; whether it's spreadsheets, babies, or art. So, when I grow as a person, I know it's furthering my ability to be creatively expressive. That’s why I feel most artists take their time to work on self-development: the more we grow as people, the farther we reach as artists. This year has been the most impactful in my life so far. I’ve gotten to know myself on a new level, I’ve taken the time to better myself, and I’ve felt feelings instead of swallowing them and getting on with my day. It’s amazing what some “soul-time”, as I call it, can do for your mental health and overall quality of life.

This year I've started to step into my worth and better understand how I plan to guide my career for longevity. And if it’s something that you want to last for a long time, there’s no need to rush or put time limits on yourself.

What has been the biggest moment of your life so far?

This is a big question. I feel the pressure. Today, my biggest accomplishment was resisting the urge to consume my weight in caffeine. But overall, I’d say booking “Mother’s Day,” was a big one for me. That was the first moment in my life that I saw what believing in yourself can do. Booking it wasn’t even the best part, working with such storied artists and then seeing the turnout was beyond words. And the cherry on top is that I made some special, lifelong friends on that project.

What’s one thing you hope never changes?

I hope I’ll always laugh until my cheeks hurt when I watch “The Office”.

Photos: Ben Cope | Styling: Anna Schilling | Glam: Blondie for Exclusive Artists Management

What does it mean to be a creator in today’s world?

Making something your own. And if you’re bold enough, it likely means sharing whatever that is with the world. Nowadays, it seems there’s a growing appreciation for art which is exciting. Most people are more likely to pat you on the back when you tell them you’re an artist because they know that there’s an artist inside of us all who wants to be unleashed and shared.

What has been one of your favorite memories while working on American Refugee?

We were all staying at the same hotel and somehow didn’t bump into each other during filming. The night we wrapped, we were all wiped so most of us said our farewells on set and expected that to be the bittersweet end. Zamani and I were attached at the hip, so she and I decided to spend our last night in New Orleans walking off the post-wrap-blues. As we’re walking, we spot Erika, then Vince, then Sam, then Derek, then Peyton, and next thing you know we’re all standing in the middle of the road laughing our asses off at the way the world works. It was nuts that we spent nearly a month living just a few feet across the hall and it wasn’t until the day of goodbyes that we finally bumped into each other.

What was it like working with huge stars like Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts?

Everything you could’ve imagined. The whole cast was just what I dreamed they’d be and that’s saying a lot because my expectations were sky-high. 7.

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Make sure to follow Jessi Case on Instagram. Read the magazine for more interviews.