ara Myembi

age: 28

new york, ny

actress

Ara Myembi is a breakout actress whose performance in Daisy, a raw, emotionally charged drama about survival, sisterhood, and transformation, has positioned her as one of the most compelling new voices in film.

A former dancer and model, Ara brings physical depth to her on-screen work, often described as magnetic, visceral, and unflinching. With several major awards already under her belt and a presence that evokes both grace and grit,

Ara is not just a rising star. She’s a force in the making.

family and personal 

Early Life

Ara Myembi was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, into a family of Caribbean descent, deeply rooted in artistic tradition and culture. She discovered her passion for performance at an early age, showing particular talent and dedication in dance. Ara attended the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater School during her teenage years, where she underwent rigorous training in contemporary and classical dance techniques, excelling in modern dance and choreography. Her years at Alvin Ailey not only sharpened her physical abilities but instilled in her the emotional expressiveness that would later define her acting style.

Throughout her adolescence, Ara performed regularly with youth ensembles and appeared in notable showcases at venues including Lincoln Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, earning recognition for her technical skill and magnetic stage presence. Dance became the foundation of her artistic identity, providing discipline, resilience, and a deep awareness of her physicality that translated seamlessly when she transitioned into acting and modeling.

Current

After completing her intensive dance training at Alvin Ailey, Ara Myembi transitioned seamlessly into the world of professional modeling. Her striking presence and refined physicality quickly caught the attention of influential designers, photographers, and stylists, leading to campaigns and runway appearances across New York and Europe. However, modeling was always an intermediate step for Ara, she sought a deeper form of storytelling and creative expression.

Ara soon began pursuing acting seriously, starting with small television roles and short films, steadily honing her craft and gaining industry respect for her emotional depth and naturalistic approach. In 2024, Ara secured her breakout role as the lead in the critically acclaimed independent film Daisy. Her portrayal of Kiara "Kiki," a young woman navigating survival, chosen family, and self-discovery in New York City’s LGBTQIA community, earned Ara widespread critical acclaim. The role marked her official arrival as a significant talent in contemporary cinema, winning her multiple awards and nominations, and solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most promising new stars.

Ara continues to build on this success, carefully selecting projects that amplify nuanced storytelling and celebrate marginalized voices, reflecting both her artistic sensitivity and personal commitment to authentic representation.


career

At 28, Ara Myembi has spent the last several years building a quietly powerful presence in film and television. Before Daisy, she’d already worked across multiple mediums. Appearing in indie features, supporting roles on critically praised streaming dramas, and high-concept fashion and music campaigns that showcased her cinematic appeal. Her early performances earned her a reputation for subtlety, emotional clarity, and magnetic screen presence.

While Daisy remains her most notable role to date, Ara's career is anchored in a body of work that reflects both consistency and growth. Her journey into the mainstream was not a leap—it was a long arc of layered performances and creative risk-taking.

Career Highlights:

  • Concrete Reverie (Cable Series, 2020) – Recurring guest role as Denise, a community organizer in Harlem navigating personal grief and public responsibility.

  • City Lines (Web Series, 2019) – Played a pivotal side character in a Brooklyn-based ensemble drama about artists and survival.

  • Golden Threads (Music Video, 2021) – Appeared in the visual project by Leah Visions, earning praise for her ethereal performance.

  • Revel Campaign (2021) – Modeled in a fashion editorial and campaign for sustainable brand Revel, gaining attention for her presence and visual storytelling.

  • Daisy (Feature Film, 2024; filmed in 2022) – Starred as Kiara (“Kiki”), a runaway navigating found family and survival in 1980s New York.

Won: Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, SAG, Spirit Award

Nominated: Oscar, BAFTA, NAACP Image Award

New Projects:

  • New Rituals (Feature Film, TBA 2025) – A sharp, funny, and heartfelt romantic comedy directed by Ayana Green, her first foray into the genre.

    Ara stars as Jeri, a cynical Brooklyn florist who unexpectedly reunites with her college ex during a friend's wedding weekend in New Orleans.

  • Kingdom County (Apple TV+ Series, 2025) – A layered Southern prestige drama chronicling the rise and unraveling of a Black creative dynasty in Atlanta.

    Ara plays Khari, the eldest daughter of a powerful music mogul, balancing fame, identity, and fractured loyalties as she tries to find her voice beyond the family name.


press moments

narratives

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