Malawian actress-cum-filmmaker Flora Suya has returned to her role on Zambia’s elite television drama series Zuba.
She made her first appearance on the series, beamed on DStv’s Zambezi Magic, last year, but after four episodes of Season Four of the series, her character was temporarily put on hold.
Suya said of her return: “Zuba has several storylines which they explore simultaneously. The script required that my character be temporarily paused and at the moment it has been reactivated. I am happy to be back with the team.”
She said she has starred in 12 episodes which will run for close to a month. She, however, said her contract runs up to November; hence, should her character be called upon within the period, she will return to Zambia for production.
The award-winning Suya plays the role of a designer from Malawi who meets a guy called Joshua after a fall out with his mother. Their meeting turns into one interesting love story and when Joshua decides to return to his native country, he takes her with him.
Other cast members include accomplished actors Jason Kabana, M’faweli Mwambo, Sophia Chapeshamo, Barbara Maramwidze, Elkam Luam and Sheba Mwale.
Suya got a slot in the production after impressing in auditions. She made her debut on December 30 last year. The actresses said the experience has been fulfilling and a good learning curve.
“Our neighbours take their film industry seriously. They take their time to produce good quality productions and have made their audience love and support them. It all starts with a good story and a professional team to deliver a mature production.
“Back here, we have an audience which is always there and ready to support us. All we need to do is respect them and give them productions worth their time and money,” she said.
In an earlier interview, art commentator Wonderful Mkhutche said the development has both the plus and negative side. He said much as it could represent growth on the part of the local film industry, it can also be viewed as a threat to its growth.
“This is good for her exposure and the local industry as well. Over the years we have seen the industry making little strides and this is what we need. But Flora is influential on the local scene, the fact that she is going away is a huge loss,” he said.
Suya is the brains behind several local productions, including the TV series Spouses and Workmates and Dyangu which beam on Times TV. n
