Known for her role as Chris in the South African family drama “Nul is nie niks nie (“Zero is Not Nothing”) and Tammy in the historical crime thriller “The Dating Game Killer,” Daniah De Villiers is a native of Cape Town, South Africa. When she was 10 years old, she began taking acting and singing classes, appearing in many festivals and competitions and winning a regional drama prize. In 2013, she was awarded the Junior Grand Champion award for acting at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood.
From 2015 to 2018, Daniah filmed the lead role in “Mia and the White Lion.” As Mia, Daniah plays a young girl who bonds with Charlie, a beautiful white lion. The film was shot over a three-year period so that the young Daniah and other support cast could truly bond and grow with the lion. As the story unfolds, Mia learns that Charlie could be in danger from trophy hunters and she sets out to rescue him. This begins an incredible journey across the South African savanna in search of a sanctuary where Charlie can live out his life in freedom. In this one-on-one interview, Daniah reveals the challenges and joys she experienced in filming this heartwarming story.
What attracted you to this wonderful film?
Daniah De Villiers: When I first heard of this very unlikely concept, it was such a unique opportunity. I knew a lot of films would come and go but not many with lions and me. So I saw this adventure I could go on and I fell in love with the lion.
Mia initially didn’t really care for Charlie. Did you instantly bond with this cuddly lion cub?
Daniah: It took time to bond, but I definitely and immediately loved Charlie. He’s so sweet and goofy. I remember the first time I met him, it was a really special moment. I immediately loved him.
What was it like watching this tiny cub grow into a full-grown King of the Jungle?
Daniah: It was such a humbling experience. Watching him grow up. I felt like a mom. It was so incredible to see how such a powerful animal chose to be such a gentle giant with me. I interacted with Charlie for three years, three times a week. The film crew would come and go but I still interacted with Charlie.
You did a lot of playful antics with Charlie. Were you ever afraid he would hurt you? Were those scratch marks on your arm real?
Daniah: Yeah, I always had scars after interacting with the lions. They don’t know their own strength and they’re always playing. I’d always come out with bruises and scratches. I think nervousness is definitely part of the process. I had never worked with lions before, so this was all new to me. The lions go through different phases of their life—like toddlers to teen, so I grew with them and there was a challenge for every phase that they went through.
Did you work with a professional lion trainer in how to deal with a wild animal?
Daniah: Kevin Richardson, known as “The Lion Whisperer,” taught me everything I know about lions. He is truly a wildlife warrior. He dedicated his life to protecting these animals. He taught me that a relationship with lions is built on love and trust.
What did you learn about lions that you didn’t know before you appeared in this movie? What surprised you?
Daniah: The biggest thing that surprised me was that they’re not just these malicious killing machines, as many perceive them to be. I never thought I would fall in love with lions as much as I did. They really have a personality.
Were you aware of how rare white lions are? And that lions, in general, were being trophy hunted?
Daniah: No. I wasn’t aware that lions were being trophy hunted or that breeding facilities were being used to hand rear cubs to be shipped off to hunting farms. So I was just as shocked as Mia when she found out. I’m really glad that I got to know the truth.
Kids and adults may have different feelings about this film. What do you see as its core message?
Daniah: For me, it’s fighting for the right thing and standing up for what you believe in. But most importantly, I think it’s sharing the truth about what’s happening with lions. And that’s a message that kids and adults really need to know.
What do your classmates think about you being in this film?
Daniah: My really close friends haven’t seen the movie. They’ve seen me interact with the lions but they’re still waiting to watch the movie. I can’t wait for them to see it.
Do you live near a wild animal preserve or somewhere close to these wild animals?
Daniah: We moved from Cape Town to just outside of Johannesburg into the bush for the movie. I used to live near where the lions lived on Kevin Richardson’s Wildlife Sanctuary.
What’s next for you? More animal-based films? A series?
Daniah: I hope to continue acting with lions or people. I love working with both. I’m currently busy with a TV series called Binnelanders, a South African Afrikaans-language television soap opera.
Check out the trailer support the Kevin Richardson Foundation and end “canned lion hunting.”
Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
