AWARD-WINNING actor Israel Matseke-Zulu is tired of African actors imitating American actors.
He believes it's time actors around the world look at us and imitate us.
This is why he made sure he plays a big role in Netflix's new film, iNumber Number: Jozi Gold. He just made his debut as an associate producer for the film and its broadcast in over 100 countries across the world.
He spoke to Daily Sun about the opportunity and how he used it.
“This is growth for me and it’s a great feeling to grow. Seeing myself behind the scenes is an achievement. Now, taking our stories abroad, we are saying sesfikile. We are here. Every actor’s dream is to find themselves in the USA. Hollywood is the destination. Now we’re turning the wheel. We’re bringing what’s that side this side. We don’t need to go to America anymore,” the actor said.
Israel said he wants South African actors to be in the same films with big stars from Hollywood.
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“We want to see Samuel L Jackson, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington coming this side and acting this side. Not that we become extras in their films. We want to run with them from the beginning of the film until the end, to show them that we are here and we're good.
“But I understand that we are coming slow from democracy. However, I want us to become Idols SA to our kids. We don’t want them to look at the likes of Chuck Norris and Sylvester Stallone. We are here,” Israel said.
He said he wants to show there’s life outside of politics and struggles, which is what other countries know the country for.
“Remember from Tsotsi, we scooped an Oscar. And that was my first film. It was my first time acting and the award came home. This shows we can do it. We can take our kasi stories to the world and show the world a different side of our country besides politics. There’s life besides these popular politicians and struggles.
“That’s why we are here as associate producers to show that there’s a lot in South Africa. We are on the right track,” Israel said.
