Zara Phillips talks about her film ‘Somebody’s Daughter’ and the digital age (2025)

Zara Phillips. Photo Credit: David Kaptein.

Singer-songwriter, filmmaker, and author Zara Phillips chatted about her film “Somebody’s Daughter,” and being a part of the digital age.

Background on ‘Somebody’s Daughter’

The synopsis is: Zara Phillips takes us on a personal journey filled with humor, honesty and truth in this moving film based on Zara’s best selling book and one woman show.

Adopted as a baby in the 1960’s, touring the world as a vocalist in the 80’s, and getting sober at 22, Zara searches for the truth about her personal history while being a mother and having 4 parents.

Congrats on the new movie “Somebody’s Daughter”… How did that come about?

A few years ago, I had a book published about my experience as an adoptee. I told the story of finding my birth parents and highlighting the lifelong impact of being adopted.

But as in many adoption stories just when you think you have found all your answers, the story changes. By the time by book came out a major event happened and I did not want to write another book, so I wrote a one woman show.

I played both my mothers and had voice overs of other characters. I wanted to film the show but my director had other ideas and we ended up bringing in actors and making this movie.

I was very lucky to have such a great team that wanted to be involved.

What inspires you each day as a filmmaker, musician and author?

Peoples experience in life inspires me. I love hearing real life stories that touch me in a deep way. Reading about human beings overcome tragedy and people that turn that into something positive is so inspiring to me.

I’m also inspired by how other artists tell stories. The unique way people deliver story telling.

How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)

It can feel quite tricky to navigate at times, but I love how we can now reach so many more people. I do not like the bullying that happens online. If used correctly I think it’s a fabulous tool of connecting with one another and educating.

What do your plans for the future include?

I’m working on some new music and a new book. I would love to write another one woman show as I really enjoy that kind of performance.

I am very lucky that I get to tour and sing with my husband Richard Thompson. We are heading to Europe soon for a tour.

What is your advice for people who wish to go into the music and entertainment business professionally?

I would say to just keep focusing on the art and the craft and if you are a musician get out there and do as many shows as you can .Get the experience under your belt. Collaborate and have fun!

As an author, write what you feel most deeply about and create events where you can do readings and talks about your experience.

What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)

Success means do the art that you love to do. Obviously, we all need to earn money but sadly in this business it is not always possible.

Success means being creative anyway, letting go of the outcome of where the work is going. Fill that need as a writer. To ignore it ,makes life so much harder.

What would you like to tell our readers about the “Somebody’s Daughter” movie? What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it?

I want people to understand that there is a lifelong impact to being adopted. We are often referred to as children.

‘The adopted child’ but we grow up. Milestones that come up in our lives can reignite the adoption experience.

I want people to understand that babies are so clever they know everything for they were there. Babies grieve and if the grief isn’t dealt with it is harder to experience joy.

I also want people to know it is possible to stay sober no matter what happens in your life and that finding a like-minded community can change and save our lives.

To find out more Zara Phillips, visit her official homepage.