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Thelmar Mukonza
SOUTH Africa-based Zimbabwean actor, Bright Tawanda Jiri, won the best supporting role award at the Coliseum International Films festival in Italy last week.
Jiri played the role of Malume Roy in the film Shamwari/Umngane.
It is based on the story of a man who became resentful towards women after believing that his friend’s wife was supposed to belong to him.
Jiri said the award was “a day to remember”, and advised others to stay humble for them to achieve success.
“I never knew life can lead me this far,” he told H-Metro. “It’s been a dream watching Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone and others getting awards, now it has knocked on my door.
“This is a day to remember.
“You can never achieve anything alone, you need someone or a team. If you get people who believe in you, keep them close at whatever cost.”
Jiri’s career started in the music industry.
“I started in the music video Sotshafire (Eita Hola) and then moved to movies like Noughts, Crosses, Widow, The Avenues, Popi, Tragedy, Tracker/Trackers and others,” he said.
The co-director of Shamwari/Umngane, Obi Misi, said Jiri’s win was evidence that Zimbabwe has talent.
“This means so much to me for a member of our team to win an award out of so many actors.
“It’s evidence that Zimbabwe has the talent and if we keep working hard we can conquer the world,” said Misi.
Shamwari/Umngane was also a semi-finalist in the International Films category at the festival.
Online Reporter