American film star Halle Berry has landed the star role in upcoming drama Things We Lost In The Fire, despite directors originally wanting a caucasian actress.

The African-American beauty, who co-stars with Benicio Del Toro in the movie, persuaded the filmmakers to pick a black leading lady for the role, and admits it's not the first time she has had to convince filmmakers to let her audition for roles previously marked for a white actress.

She says, "That was written for someone white. So was Perfect Stranger. My manager and agent just keep calling to remind them I deserve to be seen. All I ask is a chance to get in the room."