The departed veteran actor Hope Chisanu’s family has commended the Film Association of Malawi (Fama) for organising movie screenings to raise funds for the repatriation of his remains from the United States of America.
The fundraising event, held on Sunday at Madsoc in Lilongwe and Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, attracted film lovers and fellow actors who watched Charles Shemu Joyah’s The Last Fishing Boat in which Chisanu played the role of a fisherman.
Chisanu’s family, including his widow, two sons, niece, nephew and sister, attended the event in Lilongwe.
In an interview, Chisanu’s niece Mlezi Tsilizani thanked Fama for the support.
She said: “We cannot overemphasise how grateful we are for this gesture. It is a time that the family is going through a lot and just knowing that there are people out there that care and recognise his work and the impact he made means a lot to us as a family and we appreciate it. We hope he feels the gesture the team has made.”
In a separate interview, an actor and member of the organising committee, Edwin Chonde said as artists, they thought it wise to stand with the family to raise funds by using Chisanu’s art.
“So many people in the country appreciate what Hope did on set and in front of cameras. So, using some of his works to raise funds was an activity we organised to render our support to the family in these trying times,” he said.
Chonde added Chisanu’s death will leave a non-replaceable space in the film industry.
In Blantyre, Shemu Joya paid tribute to the late Chisanu, describing him as a great talent.
“There are so many scenes in The Last Fishing Boat in which the late Chisanu depicted deep emotions that left everyone on set touched. He has left an indelible mark on the local movie scene,” he said.
Before the movie, highlights of Chisanu’s acting were also screened.
