Catch a Fire, finally in SA!
You know things have changed for the better in South Africa when you have local stars such as Bonnie Henna (formerly Mbuli) and Tumisho Masha starring alongside some of Hollywood’s hottest in the form of Academy Award© winner Tim Robbins (Mystic River, The Shawshank Redemption) and Derek Luke (Glory Road, Friday Night Lights). And you know you’re on Represent when you can read an interview between *Miss P* and the beautiful Bonnie Henna and talented Tumisho Masha on the movie Catch a Fire premiering in SA this Friday 09 February!
Directed by Australian veteran Phillip Noyce, (Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger) Catch and Fire is the powerful true story of the life of Patrick Chamusso’s hero journey to find freedom during the divided times in the early 1980’s in South Africa. The film was shot in locations where the real action happened all those years ago!
Bonnie Henna plays the role of Precious, wife to Derek Luke who plays Patrick Chamusso in the movie. We chatted about the experience, the accent and the afro…
RR: This is not your first movie, but this is pretty huge, how do you feel?
BH: I’m really pleased with the film and my experience of working on it. I think it’s a brilliant film that has helped stretch my capacity as an actress.
RR: What are your feelings on the movie as a whole?
BH: I think it’s a wonderful film and beautifully told.
RR: How would you describe the experience of working with veteran director Phillip Noyce?
BH: Phillip Noyce is a great director with an impressive track record, I learnt so much from him, and he is also one of the kindest and compassionate people I’ve ever met.
RR: Precious Chamusso’s accent is indigenous to South Africa, but it is not yours personally, was it easy to pull it off?
BH: The accent was quiet challenging; the test was maintaining it throughout the film.
RR: In an article about the movie you are quoted saying “I want to become one of the best actresses in the world” how do you plan to do this?
BH: My perspective has changed since then, I am more concerned about the people I will meet and work with, the things I can learn from them, traveling the world and enjoying the journey.
RR: Do you think South Africa has enough opportunities for talented actors?
BH: My dreams and goals are not limited to the availability of opportunities in South Africa; there is always a bigger picture.
RR: How do you feel about the lead role being played by a non- South African?
BH: When I look at the actor Derek Luke who plays the role, I don’t see a non- South African, I see a dedicated actor who gave his heart to this role, in humility and sensitivity.
RR: You had raving reviews from the foreign press, do you feel you did a great job?
BH: I’m always overwhelmed by the reaction from the press, I’m blessed, I worked really hard and God was with me every step of the way.
RR: How long did it take to grow that big beautiful afro?
BH: It took a while, but I only grew half of it, the other half came courtesy of a blow dryer- every single morning.
Tumisho Masha plays Obadi an MK leader who trains Patrick Chamusso in exile, he spoke about the politics and the performance…
RR: How do you feel about the lead being played by a non- South African?
TM: No point crying over spilt milk.
RR: What do you think could be done in the industry to ensure that South African actors are able to tell their own stories?
TM: South Africans need to stop whinging about who plays lead roles in our movies and put our money where our mouth is by funding our own films. We need to make more films in SA full stop. Whether they make zero at the box office or not and create a real industry. Waiting for an American or British film company to come here and make a film does not a film industry make!
RR: What are your feelings on the movie as a whole?
TM: I haven’t seen it yet; have to wait for the SA premiere.
RR: Describe what the dramatic scene (check out the trailer to see it) where you are shouting “Are you ready to die?” is all about?
TM: As a leader of these young fugitives who’d left South Africa to join the fight for our liberation, Obadi had to instill in these young and very green cadres that death was nothing to fear- that to overcome it you had to be ready to embrace it.
RR: How would you describe the experience of working with veteran director Phillip Noyce?
TM: Intense. Phillip cannot be fooled with half baked characterization and sloppy delivery. He can see everything in the frame.
A visit to the Working Title Films website will give you a clear indication of what to expect from this extraordinary film, pictures, downloads and how it was all put together. Click here to go straight to the link.
