Durban — South African actress Thuso Mbedu, now based in the US, said coming back home to speak her home language was her most memorable thing.
She was speaking at her homecoming meet and greet session at Cargo Hold in uShaka Marine World on Thursday.
Mbedu, 30, joined Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis in the upcoming feature film The Woman King which will be screened on Friday at Gateway to celebrate Mbedu.
The actress was cast shortly after she won the TV Breakout Star award for The Underground Railroad at the Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards.
“My favourite moment was touching down in South Africa knowing that I would be able to speak my language freely after a long time,” said Mbedu.
She said it felt good to be home, adding that she specifically chose to live in LA because it reminded her of home with its look and feel.
“Knowing that they are trying to grow the industry slowly in recognisable ways is something that I am very proud of and would hopefully in the future be associated with,” said Mbedu.
She said she was looking forward to the red-carpet movie premiere.
“I do not know how many of you have the opportunity to see the screening of the movie, but I do hope a new number of people will come with their families and friends because it’s an amazing story told by amazing people,” she said.
Mu Ngcolosi, head of marketing and communications, KZN Film Commission, said Mbedu was a good example of the commission’s mandate to develop talent.
“She is an encouraging example to our young people to follow such examples and fly the flag of KZN around the world. Today, we are here to welcome the daughter of the land. We are also congratulating her for the work that she is doing flying the flag throughout the world. We are also welcoming her colleagues and families to the province. This is also their home. They should feel like walking around with open eyes and pointing out things or places they would love to visit because they are here for a short time and won’t be able to enjoy the city fully,” said Ngcolosi.
Andile Buwa, chairperson of the eThekwini Filmmakers Association, said Mbedu’s success had taken the country’s abilities to another level.
“We are happy to welcome our little girl home after seeing her making headlines on international platforms. We are still in awe of her success. We never thought one of our own would go so far,” said Buwa.
Meanwhile, Sharon Gumede, senior manager at Durban Film Office, under eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Unit, said the fact that The Woman King was partly shot in KZN proved that film tourism was working.
“The movie was shot in St Lucia earlier this year. We are excited because this is where economic development happens.
“The fact that John, one of the stars, came back to South Africa with his entire family after the movie was shot makes us happy,” said Gumede.
Daily News