Asaari Bibang discusses her role in Beef, praising the director’s collaborative spirit and detailing her planning to portray a character grappling with profound emotional weight. Bibang, who plays Aminata in the film centered around the world of freestyle battles, emphasized the director’s inclusive approach, stating, “She knew exactly what she wanted from the outset, but even so, she trusted my judgement and allowed me to contribute, just as she did with everyone who advised on the project.”
Bibang connected with the intensity of her character-a mother carrying meaningful pain with dignity-by studying performances from Denzel Washington in Fences and Susi Sanchez in Lullaby.she aimed to reveal “a crack” in Aminata’s stoicism to foster audience empathy.
Beyond the film’s focus on freestyle, Bibang highlighted its themes of identity, empowerment, and the importance of supportive relationships. ”Beef is a movie about freestyle and battles, but not only the ones fought on a stage; it’s also about the other battles we fight in life,” she explained, hoping audiences will leave feeling inspired, much like after watching Dirty Dancing.
