From the classroom to a movie set, second grader Grace Obunba shares what it was like to film a feature movie and discover a new dream. When Grace Obunba talks about school, she does so with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves to learn. The second grader, who attends Achievement First Promesa Elementary, lists her favorite subjects easily: history and math. In history, she enjoys learning about figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ruby Bridges, and especially loves writing about what she learns. “I like history because I get to write paragraphs,” Grace said. “Paragraphs are my favorite.” Photos by Charity Hope Photography  Outside the classroom, Grace is expressive and loves to perform. She sings, dances, and puts on shows whenever she can — at home, in the car with her mom, and on stage at school. Performing isn’t new for her; it’s something she has loved for as long as she can remember. At AF Promesa Elementary, she performed in the school’s talent show last year, dancing in front of her classmates and teachers and winning first place. Her mother, Charity, says the school has been a place where Grace feels comfortable being herself and trying new things, whether that’s performing on stage or raising her hand in class. That confidence led to something Grace never expected: a role in the feature film Remain, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ashley Walters. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan and based on a story by Nicholas Sparks, Remain is a dramatic thriller about a family navigating loss, memory, and unexplainable events that begin to unfold around them. Grace’s path to the film began when her older sister auditioned for a role. Charity encouraged both girls to audition, telling them that if one succeeded, it would be a win for both. Grace decided to audition too — and surprised everyone, including herself — when she got the role. “The thing I didn’t expect was that I got the part,” she said. Filming took place across Rhode Island, and for two weeks, Grace experienced life on a professional movie set — from costume fittings and early call times to long filming days and time spent in her trailer between scenes. She said memorizing her lines was easier than she expected, but she quickly learned that even a short scene often has to be filmed over and over again until it’s just right. She remembers one scene in particular — filmed in a car that had to drive the same route again and again while the cameras rolled. It was repetitive, she said, but exciting — part of being in a real movie. In between scenes, Grace discovered some of her favorite parts of being on a movie set. She loved having her own trailer and thought it was especially exciting that food could be brought right to her during long filming days. Charity said Grace also enjoyed spending time talking with the actors between takes, and that the cast and crew made her feel comfortable and welcome on set.  For Charity, the experience was exciting, but she says she is thoughtful about what it could mean if Grace continues acting. She wants to support her daughter’s interests and opportunities, while also being mindful of the realities that can come with child acting and making sure Grace grows up with balance and choice. Grace, however, is already thinking about the future. “This is going to be my job for life now,” she said. Remain is expected to be released in 2027, and Grace is already looking forward to seeing the finished film and herself on the big screen. Back at AF Promesa Elementary, she’s still very much a second grader — just one with her first film credit and an eye on the next audition. Her teachers say they’re excited to continue helping Grace build the confidence and skills she’ll need, wherever her love of acting takes her.