Exclusive Interview: Imani Pullum Discusses Leading ‘Classified,’ Shooting in Johannesburg, and More

Imani Pullum’s presence on screen is top secret, but the buzz around her is anything but classified. Her performances have been celebrated by both audiences and critics alike, with standout roles in The Orville and Emancipation showcasing her remarkable range and depth.

Currently, she can be seen leading the extraordinary cast of Classified, a coming-of-age drama that follows 15-year-old Ella (Imani Pullum), a student in Oakland, California. After being arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration thanks to her stepmother, Dianne (Christine Horn), who has connections in high places. As part of the deal, Ella must leave her home in California and spend the remainder of her secondary education with her father (Sule Rimi) and Dianne in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ella’s world is turned upside down as she navigates a very different reality than the one she has known.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Imani to discuss Classified, what it was like shooting on location in Johannesburg, building her bond with the cast and crew, and more.

PC: Classified is such a unique series, unlike any espionage show we’ve seen before, and it’s also a coming-of-age journey. How did this project initially come across your desk, and what about it caught your eye?
Imani: I received the audition from my manager during the summer of 2022. He sent me the brief, and when I read it, I loved how in-depth they described Ella, my character. I felt like I knew her, like I understood who she was even before reading the script. I was such a huge fan of the character—how powerful, strong, and independent she is. I wanted to play her.

PC: You brought so much nuance to Ella’s journey. How did you find your way into this character?
Imani: I had to consider her circumstances in each moment because so much happens in the series that affects her. I wanted to make sure I was fully present and internalizing everything she goes through in each scene, understanding how it all weighs on her.

PC: Ella is someone who’s outspoken and fiercely independent. I feel like audiences will learn a lot from her. What impact has she had on you? What has she taught you?
Imani: She taught me a lot about speaking my mind. I’m someone who knows what I want and am clear about it, but the way I express it is more timid than Ella. She just speaks her mind without worrying about the repercussions. That’s something I took away from her.

PC: You also shot this all on location. That’s an interesting parallel between yourself and your character, who finds herself as a fish out of water in a foreign country. How did those parallels help you step into this character? What was it like filming in South Africa?
Imani: I was so grateful to be on location for the entirety of filming this project because it really makes things easier. You can see everything happening in front of you, which grounds your performance and allows you to fully take in your surroundings. I’m so glad they chose to shoot on location, and I was able to experience Johannesburg through this series.

PC: The chemistry between the entire cast is so electric to watch on screen. How were you all able to build that bond?
Imani: The bond came naturally for us. Many of us were coming from different places to Johannesburg, and we all stayed at the same hotel. We’d have cast dinners and hang out in each other’s rooms, which was really fun. We bonded quickly because we were the only people we had in Johannesburg.

PC: Kagiso Lediga wrote and directed this project. How different is the filming experience when your showrunner is also at the helm directing? What was that collaboration like?
Imani: It was really cool because he knows so much about the show and these characters. If I ever had a question about the characters or what was going on, he was always there with an answer.

PC: This is also the first time you’ve led a series. Congratulations, by the way. What was the most surprising part of this experience? What did you learn about your craft?
Imani: It was my first time leading a project, and I’m really proud of myself for being able to do it. I’ve always wanted to lead, but you never know when that opportunity will come. I’m so grateful they trusted me to play Ella and lead this series. I couldn’t have done it without the cast and crew, who were incredibly supportive. We all supported each other throughout this series.

PC: With the show out now, is there a particular scene or episode that you’re especially excited for audiences to see?
Imani: I’m most excited for people to see the last episode. It’s my favorite of the whole show. So much happens in it, but that’s usually how final episodes go—so many things get resolved.

To keep up with Imani, follow her on Instagram. Classified is now on Prime Video.

Photo Credit: Dana Patrick