Terry Pheto chats to us about her role in the highly acclaimed, international movie A United Kingdom, and the joys of 2016.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1. I was excited to be part of the movie A United Kingdom. It was a pleasure to play a role in telling an African love story because we hardly see them on our big screens. The movie has historical importance because it is based on the true-life romance between Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana, and his wife Ruth Williams Khama.
2. Auditioning for the role of Naledi Khama, Sir Seretse Khama’s sister, was nerve-racking. I was nervous, but reminded myself that I am in the business of rejection – I might get a call back or not; that is how the industry works. I remained positive and hopeful until I received a call back. Auditioning has taught me to deal with rejection in a positive way, because sometimes I don’t get a role that I auditioned for, and have learnt to be okay with it.
3. Shooting the movie in Botswana was an amazing experience. A part of the movie was shot in Serowe village, and in the same house that Sir Seretse Khama and his wife lived in. I felt closer to the story and the people of Botswana because I had no idea of the hardships that the couple went through just to be together during the apartheid era. I also got an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by Botswana, such as drought.
4. Acting remains my first love. Even though I have been a part of a number of international films, I am still the same actress trying to be better every day. I get nervous at auditions, and I am still hungry for more roles. My love and excitement for the art of acting has remained the same. I am glad that I have been able to remain true to myself and my craft.
5. Being a part of the juror panel for the International Emmy awards was eye opening. I was thrilled to watch content from around the world, and to see what other countries are doing. I watched movies with languages I did not understand, and was still captivated. I learnt that the language barriers are being broken and the world is getting smaller and smaller.
6. 2016 has been good to me. This year started on a good note and is ending on an even better one. I am grateful for all the doors that opened for me. I have a few surprises lined up for 2017 as I will star alongside Hollywood actor Lawrence Fishburne in a US mini–series titled Madiba. However, more details about my upcoming projects will be revealed next year.
