By Jimmy Chazama & Henry Chulu
Renowned actor and broadcaster Hope Chisanu’s acting feats came to life at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe on Sunday when movie lovers, sampled The Last Fishing Boat, a film by Shemu Joyah, which he stars in.
The screening of the film and other movie highlights was organised by Film Association of Malawi (Fama) special committee as part of raising funds to among others, help in the repatriation of Chisanu’s remains from United States of America (USA) where he passed on recently after a short illness.
People showed up for the screening which rekindled memories of Chisanu’s acting prowess.
- Advertisement -
Singer and guitarist Buchi warmed up the event and he left a mark with his sound before the movie session.
- Advertisement -
There were flashes of hilarity from the audience as they were fascinated by some of the scenes in The Last Fishing Boat with Chisanu displaying his outstanding abilities.
In one conversation, Chisanu who plays Yusuf in chatting with his wife Abiti Anefa played by Flora Suya laments governments’ thirst for money from its citizens in spite of economic challenges.
“Kodi abomawa akuona ngati ndalama timaikira ngati nkhuku (the government thinks we make money like a chicken is laying eggs),” he says.
Fama Secretary General James Kitchen said apart from raising funds, the screening was part of celebrating Chisanu’s works.
- Advertisement -
“He was a legend in the film industry and he deserves this honour. His death is a huge blow,” Kitchen said.
Veteran actor Edwin Chonde said as the film family, they decided to come together and use the same skills that Chisanu used in starring in movies to organise a film screening event.
“Hope was no ordinary actor, we will miss him but we had to come together to assist where possible especially bringing his remains here,” he said.
Wanangwa Gondwe, who is also an actor, said Chisanu was a role model to budding actors in the industry.
A member of the family, Mlezi Tsilizeni, hailed Fama for organising the event and described Chisanu as a mentor and brilliant actor.
The screening was also held on the same day at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.
It also comes after the family appealed for funding to bring the remains of Chisanu indicating that they were looking for K42 million.
Meanwhile, the sendoff service to Malawi for Chisanu in USA will be held on June 29 2024.
Born on September 17 1970, he will be laid to rest at Ngodya Farm at Kamphata in Lilongwe.
