Sundaymail Editor
Kuda Chideme
ZIMBABWE’S Hollywood export Tongayi Arnold Chirisa has paid tribute to local film industry veterans that paved his way to stardom.
Chirisa, who is now based in the United States, told ZTNPRIME’s”Exclusive Interviews” that he got a platform to launch his career through arts legends like Daves Guzha and the late Walter Muparutsa.
“Mr Guzha and Walter took me under their wings. You can be good at something but then you just need that one person to open the door for you.
“For me, these are the pioneers when they were forging the industry. It was far more difficult and we are entirely grateful to them. They were determined. If they had not forged ahead, there would be no Tongayi today,” Chirisa said.
The bubbly and energetic actor is known mostly for his role as Hekule (Hercules) in Leon Schuster’s “Mr Bones 2: Back From the Past” movie.
He has gone on to cement his acting role in Hollywood, playing Man Friday on NBC’s “Crusoe” series, Eli on “Antebellum” and Father Nicholas on “The Jim Gaffigan Show”.
The actor is in the country for some preliminary work on a new film based on the life story of the founder of Victoria Falls Boxing Academy — Tobias Mupfuti.
The academy is now a beacon of hope for many young boxers who hail from the resort town, Binga, Hwange and surrounding areas. The film will be produced by filmmaker Joe Njagu, who is famed for the Netflix film “Cook Off”.
The movie will be directed by Jessy Rollins.
“It is a story about hope, survival and overcoming the most adverse situations. When I read the script, I just knew then that I had to be part of this.
“We are trying to tell his story that will probably bring hope and joy to the world and hopefully bring the film world to Victoria Falls,” he said.
The project will be wholly local, but with collaboration from Hollywood.
“We want to tell the Zimbabwe story from our point of view, and it will be one of many inspirational stories to tell.
“We are trying to champion Zimbabwe film and bring Zimbabweans to the forefront. We have been in the backyard for a long time and it is time for the world to hear our stories. It will be a collaborative effort with internationals to come in and help locals,” added Chirisa.
Also appearing on ZTNPRIME’s “Exclusive Interviews” was Njagu, who notes the local film industry is ripe for growth.
“A lot is happening on the local front. We now have new television stations such as yours, and that is a very big plus for the industry.
“Even on the structure of the industry, there is a national strategy for film that is being crafted and this will bring order because it is starting from the top and the benefits will trickle down. In terms of progress, I think we are headed in the right direction and a viable industry is coming soon,” Njagu said.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter