Fruitvale Station, inspired by the true-life story of Bay Area native Oscar Grant, is now playing in limited release.  Starring in debut feature writer-director Ryan Coogler's film as Oscar's girlfriend is Melonie Diaz (Be Kind Rewind).  Diaz recently sat down to talk with us about the film, including comments on how familiar she was with Oscar's story from the news, working with such a young cast and crew, her process behind playing Sophina, and what message she wants audiences to take away.  She also talked a bit about her experience at Cannes and filming an episode of HBO's Girls.

Fruitvale Station also stars Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand and Chad Michael Murray.  Hit the jump for the interview.

Melonie Diaz

• 0:10 – Talks about her familiarity with Oscar Grant’s true story from the news and how she got involved with the picture.
• 0:55 – Comments on her experience of working with a young cast and crew who all come from the same generation.
• 1:45 – Talks about her process in portraying her character who must balance her frustration and her love for Oscar.
• 2:20 – Reveals what message she wants audiences to take away after seeing this film.
• 2:50 – Talks about her experience of going to Cannes for the first time, calling it, “Bonkers.”
• 3:30 – Reveals that she just wrapped on an episode of HBO’s Girls.

Here’s the official synopsis for Fruitvale Station:

The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008.