Leon Athanase Mandali is one of the greatest actors that Rwanda has to offer. The Sunday Times’ Bryan Kimenyi, caught up with him and asked him about his career and the trip he’s  just taken to the United States of America. Here are excerpts.
 
What has your life been like?

So far so good, especially at my age (29 years), what I have achieved and the fact I realised my career at the very beginning.

When did you begin your acting career?

That was in 2006 when I was called up to audition for the play "Uwera”. The director Jean Claude Uwiringiyima selected me with a grin on his face, later he told me that he’d been amused by my exceptional talent. I take him as my mentor till today.

Why acting for a career?

Ever since I was a young boy, I found myself grabbing the attention of most of my peers and the old people alike. Then I acted in many Christmas plays at my church. I don’t remember of any Christmas I missed getting a role in the Christmas play.

Are you saying that your career is a result of the church?

To some extent the church did play a role in the development of my career, but along the way, I have come to meet many factors that have been very influential in making me who I am today.

For example people who have acknowledged my talent and encouraged me to keep moving. Also, apart from acting Christmas plays, I also enjoyed watching movies at a tender age.
 
Tell us the movies you’ve been involved with?

There are three, but I have been involved in a couple of other plays and dramas. "Uwera” like I told you earlier wasn’t only my first opportunity on the big screen but also the genesis of my career.

Later I took part in "Operation Turquoise”, about the 1994 Genocide against the Tusti. There is one that is due next month called "One Night at Nyange”. Watch out for this one!!

Which people were an inspiration to you joining the field of acting?

When I was young, I was a great fan of French actor Louis de Funes, I still watch him. But there is a man called Jean Claude Uwiringiyimana, I look up to and consider him as my mentor. The other is Aimable Twahirwa who made me have the confidence that I could make it.

Along the way, who has been your favorite actor?

I have looked up to many actors along the way and its quite hard to point out a figure I’ve admired all my life. However, Eddie Murphy being my childhood idol could fit my favourite actor spot.

He has played roles in action, comedy, drama, animations and historical movies-that’s my perfect all-rounder. Kanyombya beats all of us here, because he has managed to establish himself a following across the country.

What is your advice to Rwandese actors and the film industry?

I want them to know that we are many steps behind others internationally and even the region. We should work harder together to get our industry to another level. That’s when we shall begin harvesting what we have sowed.

What else do you do apart from acting?

Nothing, as of now. I’m so much focused on making it to professional ranks.

Tell us about your trip to the USA. Was it about movies?

We left for the USA in December to act in several states across America a movie about the Holocaust. The movie is called "The Investigation” and is based on a book written by Peter Weiss.
 
What’s it about?

It’s about genocide against the Jews, as witnesses reveal what they saw during the Holocaust. The setting is almost like that of Gacaca courts, where the accused meet face to face with the victims and witnesses.

Any experiences you might have picked from the tour?

A lot, we met many prominent actors and producers, with whom we shared a lot of information about our field of operation. Then the theatres we acted in were also an experience.

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