Riaad Moosa on Kathrada role

‘Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom’, produced by Anant Singh, recently received a standing ovation when it was showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival.

When Moosa was approached play to Kathrada he reportedly found it a diffiuclt decision to make but one he couldn’t pass up.

Speaking to IOL, he says he believes he was chosen because of his performance in ‘Material’. “They thought I should read for the role. They had had a difficult time finding the right person to play Ahmed Kathrada. And when I met Justin Chadwick, the director, he liked me.”

The preparation for the role included him getting to grips with Kathrada by reading all he could, visiting him at his home, as well accompanying him on a tour of Robben Island.

“He is an amazing man. Humility is the one word to describe him. He has taught me a lot. Even though I have a small role in this film, having my experiences and chatting with him, it changed me.” Moosa explains.

He adds that he thinks he “over prepared” for the role. “Especially after having seen the final product,” he says with dry humour. “There I was in the background, doing all his (Kathrada) mannerisms, and the focus wasn’t even there, or it was on a wide angle. But I had a very good experience.”

As for the overall film, he says “To condense life in two-and-a-half hours is a big challenge, as well as leading people in a story that makes sense. But I think they did the best job that they could. The Toronto audience loved it. The reaction was extremely positive.

“I need to see the movie again with fresh eyes. There’s a difference to script and final edit. I think people will discuss this movie.

“We (the actors) certainly discussed it afterwards.”

– TEAMTalk Media