Durban - Thuso Mbedu, the Pietermaritzburg-born actress who has been making waves in Hollywood, and her US co-star John Boyega visited the University of KwaZulu-Natal as part of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission’s (KZNFC) “Woman King” Activation Tour to meet media and film studies students from the College of Humanities’ School of Arts.
The visit, which was made possible by the KZNFC and lecturers of the Media and Cultural Studies discipline Luthando Ngema and Abulele Njisane, saw more than 100 UKZN students get a chance to engage with the actors.
The film “The Woman King” is based on the real-life all-female army called the Agojie who protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey, and centres on Mbedu’s Nawi, a young woman who hopes to join the Agojie under the leadership of the fearless General Nanisca (Oscar winner Viola Davis).
“This is a great opportunity and learning point for film students to understand the value chain of film productions. This particular event emphasises the marketing and distribution process,” said Ngema.
Welcoming the film’s cast and crew, Dean and Head of the School of Arts Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa said this was a very special moment not only for the college, but also for KZN and South Africa.
“We are truly honoured to host the beautiful and talented Thuso Mbedu. Thank you to everyone who played a role to make this possible.”
She also thanked Mbedu for flying the KZN flag high and being an inspiration to young, aspiring creatives who one day hope to get to that level.
Mbedu and Boyega talked briefly about the process of preparing for and making the film, from dialect coaching to combat training and diet, and even doing their own stunt work.
A question-and-answer session followed, with many excited students asking questions related to the movie and the film industry at large.
Mbedu said she did not realise the impact the film had on her and for others.
“I am honoured and humbled to be a part of something this big.” She said she hoped that her visit inspired other students to follow in her footsteps and carve a name for themselves in the industry.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama student Kwanele Nyembe said the visit had been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.
After years of following Mbedu’s career trajectory, he said he finally had a chance to meet her and speak to her about her work.
“I remember once in class we had to choose a creative to present on and I chose her. To actually witness this moment in her career and to be in the same space with actors of such high calibre was a great opportunity and memorable,” he said.