PNG actors featured in Mr Pip movie

THREE Papua New Guinea actors are featured in the film Mr Pip which has begun showing at the Paradise Cinemas in Port Moresby.

The film comes from the director of Shrek One and Two, and Narnia Andrew Adamson. It was shot in Bougainville and New Zealand.

We caught up  with the actors, including lead actress Xzannjah Matsiat, at Paradise Cinema. The other two are Calextus Simeon and Tidman Ikosi, who acted as soldiers.

Shot in the backdrop of the civil war in Bougainville, the film  showcases the friendship of teenager Matilda (played by Xzannjah Matsi) and Englishman and television series star Hugh Laurie.

Matsi said it was thrilling for her to star in the movie.

“It was fun. I went through auditions in Buka and later had voice and actor training in New Zealand. I was thrilled that I got selected for the movie,” she said.

She said the film was a good way to see first-hand what happened during the crisis.

“Some of the young people now do not know how it was back then but it is an eye opener,” Matsi said.

She said it was an emotional ride with pressure on herself to perform to the expectations of her character.

“I had emotions, a huge responsibility to reflect what happened. I really wanted to play the part well,” Matsi said.

Simeon said it was part of their script but was an emotional journey for them acting in some scenes that depicted church burning and a rape scene. 

The National / My Pacific