I was born an actress

The movie industry is growing in Malawi. Alongside it, is a horde of talented actors and actresses. From acting in Spouses and Workmates to producing her own short films, Cathreen Mlenga is one of the up-and-coming talented actresses in Malawi. Our arts reporter BRIAN ITAI caught up with Mlenga to discuss her career, the film industry and its dynamics in Malawi.

Q

:  Who is Cathreen Mlenga?

A

: Cathreen Mlenga is an actress, a professional marketer, brand promoter and an entrepreneur. I was born and raised here in Malawi.

Q

: How did you find yourself as an actress?

A

: When I was young way back in 2004 my dad had a video camera and he used to record whatever me and my siblings were doing. Sometimes, he could tell us to imitate some television plays we watched that time and he took videos. Later, I joined a church drama club then school drama clubs and the rest is history. So, I can say my dad discovered and natured the talent in me from a tender age and I have lived with it.

Q

: As an actress, what are some of the projects that you are credited with?

A

: The latest is Spouses and Workmates, a television series that airs weekly on Times Television. I also starred in short films titled Affairs, Bittersweet, Entity and Caroline chapter one, just to mention a few.

Q

: What inspires your line of work?

A

: The ability to use art as a tool to save and serve the world by educating, entertaining and informing people inspires me to do more. I am also inspired by playing challenging roles, something that requires me to do research in order to understand my character helps me to be better and great.

Q

:  Do you encounter specific challenges in your work because you are female?

A

: Yes. You find people trying to take advantage of you just to give you a branding contract. I also sometimes get offended and feel demotivated when people give me opportunities all in the name of being female. It is like telling me I don’t deserve it but I will be accommodated because I am female. I want to get roles, endorsements, contracts and jobs because I am good at what I do not because I am female.

Q

:  What is the most challenging part about being an actress?

A

: The most challenging part about being an actress is making people understand that the roles you play in a film have nothing to do with your real life. They are literally two different things.

Q

: What are your dreams and future plans as an actress?

A

: As an actress I want to be able to deliver the best out of every role I am given. I want to be able to tell a story in a way that people will connect with the character I am playing. I want to tell stories that depict strong characters in the world. Most of all I want to be remembered. My plan is to go international. I want to act with the likes of Yvonne Nelson, Taraj P Henson, Meghan Good. I want to have a film production company one day and give opportunities to others to showcase their talent.

Q

: Who do you idolise locally in your field?

A

: Locally, I look up to Flora Suya. She is doing great, Charles Shemu Joyah and Brenda Nselu, just to mention a few.

Q

: Apart from acting, what’s your other talent and hobbies?

A

: Apart from acting, I sing and I am a writer. I have been writing stories since I was eight years old. I am adventurous I like exploring, watching movies, reality TV shows, basketball and reading history.

Q

: What is the biggest project you have worked on so far?

A

:  The term biggest is broad and very subjective. Depends on what one considers to be big, but all things constant I would say Our Little Friends television series. It is sponsored by Unicef.

Q

:  The most challenging project you have worked on?

A

: The most challenging project I have ever worked on is my production Sowing Seeds. I learnt a lot from the production which has contributed to growth in my career as a filmmaker.

Q

: Any projects you are working on now?

A

: Currently I am working on a Unicef TV series titled Our Little Friends, which will be on television early December. I am also working on my first produced feature film Sowing Seeds to be premiered early 2021. I am also working on short series titled Affairs which tackles issues faced in relationship, families and friendships. Every episode is premiered on YouTube. n