Shock was the reaction from various arts players, especially in the local film industry, following the death of renowned actor Hope Chisanu
Various film producers and players on Saturday said they were lost for words at the news.
Expressing sorrow in his a eulogy, Charles Shemu Joyah, whose company worked with Chisanu on a number of productions, said his death was a huge blow to the local film industry.
“Without fear of contradiction, Hope Chisanu is probably one of the greatest actors that I have worked with. When we were ready to shoot Seasons of a Life, I was so surprised at how much he was dedicated to his role. He had the same attitude during all his assignments with me,” he said.
Joyah said it was, therefore, not surprising that every time they had a production, he came out tops and was given roles.
“Hope was a natural actor and so easy to work with. He never complained or bothered about working during odd hours. Acting was his second nature and everytime we were on set, he made everyone happy and comfortable,”he said.
Joyah singled out three iconic scenes that the late Chisanu gave during the movie The Last Fishing Boat.
“In a scene where after he beat up Abiti Anefa, he runs to the beach and then he starts to cry. When we went on set, I told him that this is what I want, he took a moment to get into character and what he gave us at the end was so emotional and real that after he executed the scene, he needed five minutes to get out of character,” explained Joyah.
In a statement yesterday, Film Association of Malawi (Fama) secretary general James Kitchen confirmed his passing.
“We are saddened as filmmakers since we have lost one of our pillars in the film industry,” he said.
Kitchen said more details about Chisanu’s funeral would be announced once his family communicates.
On his part, actor Ashukile Mwakisulu, who has acted with Chisanu in more than three films, said he was lost for words.
“I am failing to process the whole thing. I am in so much shock. This is a huge loss to the film industry,” he said.
Mwakisulu said he remembers how he knew Chisanu in 2010.
“We both got roles in The Last Fishing Boat and our friendship grew. The 25 days we spent on set cemented our friendship. He was an incredible guy. He was funny, intelligent and extremely talented,”he said.
Mwakisulu said Chisanu gave him advice when he struggled on set with his character.
“He taught me how to easily get in and out of character and how to understand my role. This is a huge loss for me and the industry,” he said.
Malawi may remember Chisanu as an actor in films such as Seasons of a Life, The Last Fishing Boat, The Road to Sunrise, The Boy who harnessed the wind, All We Have is Us and many more.
But he was also a renowned broadcaster having made his name as a presenter on public broadcaster at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). He was also a part time master of ceremony for various social and corporate events. At the time of his death, he had relocated to the United States.
Details of his funeral arrangements were not out at the time we went to print, but his family confirmed his passing.
