Story by Farai Gwaze
Internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean actor Tongayi Chirisa, who is in the country for his debut local film premiere, is optimistic about the future of the local film sector.
The Hollywood-based actor who is in Zimbabwe for the premiere of his new movie “Rise” which was screened in Harare this Thursday, is excited to be back on home soil and is optimistic about the future of the local film industry.
He said, “It’s so good to be back home, filming in Zimbabwe where it all started. I’m excited to have a premiere on home soil, with my first film on home ground with home talent. I’m excited about the future and what we plan to do with this. For the film industry, this might be the beginning of so much more in terms of bringing quality and international flair. I hope this kicks off a productive conversation with people in the diaspora to push local content, we can’t be left behind and it’s time for Zimbabwe to show up.”
The international actor attributes his success to passion, raw talent and love for the craft.
“When we started, we started at the Reps Theatre with the late Walter Mambo, he took us under his arms and showed us the way, then Daves Guzha with Rooftop promotions. These were my mentors and they just said keep doing what you’re doing and I just worked with what I had in Zimbabwe, which is raw talent, love and a passion for it. God works in mysterious ways and here we are today, RISE, check it out,” Chirisa said.
Chirisa made his television debut in Zimbabwe on the iconic “Studio 263” in the early 2000’s and went on to gain international recognition for his role in “Mr Bones” with South African actor, Leon Schuster.
