For her latest project, the actress is tackling a similar story in a galaxy not so far away.
Ridley narrates and executive producedThe Eagle Huntress,a documentary about a young Kazakh girl in Mongolia named Aisholpan.
What was it about this story that hooked you?
Credit: Todd Williamson/Getty Images
It just happens that most of us arent eagle hunters.
But Im very fortunate to be in a family where we never felt like we had limits.
Plus, its just beautiful, in a place in the world that most people havent been.
Why do you think Aisholpans story resonates with so many people?
I guess because regardless of gender or race or anything, people do feel like they have limits.
When you were that age, did you have something that you dreamed about like that?
I wanted to be a zoologist!
That was when I was in primary school.
When I was that age, I wasnt sure.
I was at a performing arts school.
I didnt know if that was what I wanted to do.
And I remember actually leaving my school at 18.
And she said, Well, at least you were happy.
Because shes a great mum!
[Laughs] So I think that all comes into play with how I view the film.
But honestly, I think anyone would, seeing that quiet determination.
And shes not being showy.
Shes just doing it.
You mentioned how so much of this film is about Aisholpan and her relationship with her father.
Do you see any parallels between that and your own family?
People have asked a lot about comparisons in the character that I play!
But for sure, I see it more in my personal life because I always grew up like that.
Someone just asked me if I ever felt there was any issue with my gender.
I never, ever felt that.
It just wasnt on my radar that in any way would I be limited.
In the same way that AIsholpan doesnt think that either because its never been part of the conversation.
She just is doing what shes doing.
The change is within her, I guess.
But the close family bond, for sure.
I know you met Aisholpan and her family a few days ago at the premiere.
What was that like?
Its weird hearing so much about a person and seeing someones life, and then theyre there.
She doesnt talk very much, but her English is good.
And [her father] was taking pictures of his daughter.
Its an everyday thing.
It just so happens theyve been plucked out of their world and into ours.
She wants to be a doctor, so theres going to be enough money for her to study.
I dont know if she realizes the impact this film is going to have.
And then you go home and go back to your life.
[Laughs]
In addition to doing the narration, you also served as an executive producer.
Do you want to do more producing.
Well, I bought the rights to something, which is currently being made.
But I dont know.
But I dont know.
Im really open to things happening in life.
So if it happens, it happens.
You mentioned the parallels between Aisholpan and Rey.
Theyre both examples of young, empowered women who may have been underestimated because of their gender.
I was really just trying to do justice to my thing.
But for sure, I think Ive been influenced by people over the years, which led into that.
I just wasnt aware of it.
But I grew up surrounded by incredible women, so in terms of that, yes.
But it wasnt a conscious thing.
The Eagle Huntresshits theaters on Nov. 2.
