Meeting the idol; Cleophas Kabasita

Cleophas Kabasita (‘Cleo’) is one of the genuine local actresses Rwandan showbiz has ever known. She first starred as ‘the heroine Josette’ in the movie ‘100 Days’ (2001, Nick Hughes), and later as Valentine in ‘Sometimes in April’ (2004, Raoul Peck). Cleo has worked with several Hollywood stars like seasoned actor Richard Gant in ‘Ezra’ (Newton Aduaka), and Hollywood A-Lister, Idris Elba. Her fourth and latest feature film, ‘Kinyarwanda’, won the ‘World Cinema Audience Choice Award’ at the ‘Sundance Film Festival’ in the United States. This is her 2nd feature film to go to Sundance after ‘Ezra’. The Sunday Times met Cleophas, to let her fans know more about her, excerpts below; Qn; Tell me about Cleophas Kabasita.Cleo; I am a Rwandese actress, and partly film producer. I am the third born in a family of many and happily married with a son and a daughter. Qn; How do you treat your leisure time?Cleo; More than anything else, I spend time with my family. I love to travel. I play tennis. I was seeded number 2 at my university, and number 1 by the time I left. I also like to host house parties with my friends. Qn;; How do you feel watching yourself on TV, acting? Cleo; It is surreal. It is difficult to identify with the person I am on TV. But when my friends call me from far away countries excited about a movie of mine they have just seen on their cable TV, it does feel good. But what is more satisfying is the kind of films I have worked on. 3 of them have shared with the world the Rwandan story from very different perspectives and the other told of the plight of child soldiers in Sierra Leone. So, I am honoured that my films do more than entertain-they tell important stories. Qn; When did you start acting?Cleo; I have loved cinema right from my high school years. I acted in many dramas at school. But for my film work, I remember my curiosity getting the best of me and driving me to going to see how movie auditions were done after a casting call for the film ‘100 Days’ came out. The casting director and producer there mistook me for someone looking for a role and I ended up starring in the movie. Qn; How do you connect movie acting to your work in the corporate zone? Cleo; One must always find that balance. I never have problems balancing the two. I have no issues fitting my acting into my regular work schedules. I work on my movie projects during weekends and when I take my annual leaves. Qn; Do you remember any embarrassing moments in your career you would wish to erase from your memory? Cleo; Not really. I have had great experiences but maybe my first auditioning (for ‘100 Days’) was a bit tricky. I entered from the back door, just like in any theatre. My plan was to sneak in and just watch from a distance. But, l found myself face to face with the casting director and the movie producer and ended up acting- that could have been embarrassing but I take it all in my stride! Qn; If you were paid to act alongside ‘Channing Tatum’ or ‘Johnny Depp’ in a movie involving a sex scene, would you go for it? Cleo; I have my values as a person. I will not do anything I am not comfortable with. Qn; Do you plan on featuring in any more movies for the near future? Cleo; Certainly. I’ve been talking to different people about several projects. I have read two interesting scripts that I am considering working on, but I am not in the habit of revealing projects until they are ready to shoot. Qn; What would you comment on Rwanda’s movie industry, if you were to? Cleo; Rwanda has great actors and actresses. I would like to see Rwanda promoted as the great film destination that it is. Just the same way tourism is a major sector here, the film industry has great economic potential. Qn; There are many young ladies who look up to you as their role model, what can you tell them?Cleo; Find that which you love to do, and go for it. You must have passion for it. And don’t let anyone tell you it is not possible. Qn; Say one last word to the local movie fans too. Cleo; Movie lovers should understand that this industry is now on the right track. Hollywood was like this, back in the years. We need to embrace and support our budding talents – go see their work and promote it. That is where it all begins. SundayMag; Thanks for your time with us Cleo; it was great working with you.Cleo; Thanks too, I am truly honoured. Ends