Film Association of Malawi (Fama) has sympathised with its American counterparts, mostly Hollywood actors affected by wildfires raging in some parts of Los Angeles in California, United States of America (USA).
Wildfires have affected some renowned Hollywood stars such as Oscar-winning actor and film director Mel Gibson and Billy Crystal as well as media personality and businessperson Paris Hilton.
Fama president Dorothy Kingston and her predecessor Gift Sukez Sukali described the wildfires as tragic.
“As a Malawian filmmaker, I grew up looking up to Hollywood actors and directors like Mel Gibson and it is sad to hear about the loss of his properties. This is very disturbing and I would like to extend my heartfelt kindness to all that are affected,” said Sukali, who was recently in the USA for filming studies.
On her part, Kingston said Hollywood has a direct influence on Malawian actors and the loss of its members has also affected Malawian actors.
“Hollywood actors have shared their best moments with Malawians since we were young through blockbuster movies and it is touching to learn of their predicament. Our hearts and prayers are with the Americans during these trying moments,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hilton has launched an emergency fund for fire survivors worth $100 000 (about K1.7 billion. Last Wednesday, she shared footage of her damaged property on Instagram and on Friday, she said she was ready to help those affected.
Gibson, whose Malibu house was destroyed while he was out recording a podcast in Texas, shared his reactions during a telephone interview with Elizabeth Vargas of the News Nation: “Obviously, it’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. You remember [comedian] George Carlin talking about your stuff? I had my stuff there and it’s all like I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders.”
Billy Crystal, in a statement to CNN on Wednesday, was quoted as having said: “Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbours who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy.”
Other celebrities affected by the Los Angeles wildfires include Jamie Lee Curtis, Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Jeff Bridges and Ricki Lake.
