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Tell us something about your background?
 My
name is Mereb Estifanos. I was born in Arareb, Sahel, in 1983. My father
and
mother are both EPLF fighters. My father’s name is Estifanos Derar, and
my
mother is Negesti Wolde-Mariam. I completed my high school studies in
Asmara.
What did you aspire to become when you grew up?
When I was a student I used to be a good volleyball player. But
internally I
wanted to become a dancer and singer.
How did you become an actress?
It was by simple chance. In 2002, while
I was a student in grade 11, Captain
Fessehaye Lemlem (the screenwriter for the film “Fermeley”) called me
and
asked me to act in a film. This was very sudden for me. Then he told me
to meet
him at Cinema Asmara. I met him and Mr. Michael Emahazion (Jende, the
veteran
artist.) They asked me to act in the film they were producing. Then I
accepted
and said I’d try it. I started acting as a reserve with a second
actress. It
was hard for me to work with great artists like Gizyenesh Menges. I was
both shy
and scared. Finally, with hard work I was chosen to play the character.
My
partner Yonatan (Tan-tan) encouraged me a lot. The film opened my acting
career
for me. I want to thank Captain Fessehaye Lemelem.
When you were working in the film “Fermeley,” what were your feelings?
And
what feedback did you get from viewers?
Since it was my first acting experience I was shy and afraid. But I
think I did
well. I got good reviewers from the audience saying that I did well.
How do your parents see your acting career?
They see it positively. My father and mother especially encourage me a
lot.
They remind me to keep the time of my rehearsal, etc.
What kind of character do you like to play?
In all the films I have acted so far, I play the role of a girl who is
loved by
others. But I would like to play the role of a lover. I think love is
relevant
to boys and girls equally, so I’d like to play the role of a lover. But
I
think the choice really belongs to the directors or others.
What efforts do you make to improve your professional skill
I try to learn from people (actors, producers and actress, etc) who are
experienced in the field. I read books and watch many films (local and
foreign).
Have you taken any courses to improve your skills?
Only once. The course was given by the
Department of Cultural Affairs, PFDJ for
three months, in Asmara.
How much do you love this job? In how
many films have you acted so far?
I love it very much. I have acted in
more than ten films. Including;
“Hareg,” “Fermeley,” “Werasi Kidan,” “Gezie,” “Mezgeb,”
“Shalom,” “Azmarino,” “Ketali Sehbet,” “Fekri Tsa’iru,”…
Can an actor/actress make a living from
acting?
I think that would be difficult, because
you can’t earn enough through
acting. It is only an occasional work. We actors do not have a monthly
salary,
so I think it’s not possible.
What is the role of women in the
development of the Eritrean film industry, so
far? And what is the reason?
In most of the films produced in our
country these days, I don’t believe
women are as active as they should be. Their participation is
fundamental. The
reason they are not active is, for various reasons. They are doing their
part,
but not enough. One reason could be the pressure by parents. In others,
while
the women have the initiative they don’t get the opportunity.
Why do you think there is parental
pressure not to act for females?
So far our society’s understanding about
films or plays has been negative.
But now it’s certainly improving. In the past, people who take part in
arts or
plays/films were considered as bad or immoral people. Sometimes people
think
that the character you play in the film is your real personality. So, I
think
these could be some of the reasons. But I believe acting is just like
any other
work.
In our films, there are not many female
screenwriters or directors. What is the
reason?
First, I think it’s because there is not
enough initiative on their part.
Secondly, only a few believe they can do it and start. There is no
reason why
women cannot become screenwriters and film directors.
Do you plan to write or direct films?
I do try some writing. In the future I
plan to write more. But concerning
directing films, I’m too young and inexperienced for it. Maybe, later.
What do you think an actor needs to do to
become good and play the role of the
character given him/her perfectly?
The most basic is training (rehearsal).
Personally, when I’m given a part to
play I search for someone similar to that role. Then I watch her actions
and
other activities. Then I try it and train many times. So if you work
hard and
rehearse, I don’t see there’s any problem becoming the character. The
main
responsibility lies with the director.
What are your future plans?
I want to continue and grow in this profession of acting. I believe I
need to
work very hard in order to grow. If I could get some formal professional
training it would be very helpful. I also want to take part in singing
and
dancing.
What is your advice to the youth
concerning HIV/AIDS?
As has been stated repeatedly, you need
to abstain or be faithful with a single
partner. And for those who are HIV positive, let us show kindness and
care for
them.
What do you think is the role of the
youth in the protection and building of
the nation?
Although I was born in Sahel, I did not
know much about national issues. I did
not understand much what my parents used to tell me about the nation.
But now I
am mature and can understand much. So we the youth must work with all
our
ability in order to build and protect our nation and help it prosper.
Does a female actress face any challenges
in particular?
Personally, I have not faced any
problems related to my acting. I have a good,
respectable working relationship with actors and directors.
What is the relationship and cooperation
among you actors?
All the older and more experienced
actors help, correct and support us during
work.
Your role in the TV-serial “Hareg” (The
Vine) was good. How did you face
the task?
The work was very hard for me. As you
know it’s a long serial film. So I had
a lot to do including studying (memorize) the script, choose the
costumes, etc.
We spent a long time in rehearsal and shooting. In short the work was
demanding.
But through the hard work of the writer, director and all the others, we
completed the work successfully.
Personally how did you like the character
you were playing, “Feruz”? Why?
And what about your character’s two separate “lovers” Tekhle and Daniel?
I really liked “Feruz,” because she was
honest and wise. And she was
steadfast in her principles and stand. But Tekhle was bad! He wanted to
buy love
through money and force. As for Daniel, he was the opposite of Tekhle.
How did you manage to produce the tears
while acting?
Most of the time, I produced the tears
from deep inside.
How do you evaluate the film (serial) “Hareg”?
And which characters did you
like most?
I think it was quite good. The
complications in the story were interesting. I
especially like the part about Tekhle and his mother. They were very
close and
supported each other well. They learned their lesson from their
mistakes. And
finally Feruz was rewarded for her patience and tolerance. The film was
educational. I like Tekhle and his mother best.
Some people say that the film was ended
suddenly and it should have been
continued. What do you think?
Every film has to stop somewhere and
can’t go on until the end. For some of
the points, the viewer has to fill in by himself or herself. Some can
make their
own conclusions. My only regret is that for Daniel. His honesty and
integrity
should have been made more clear.
Do you have appreciations for anyone?
I thank my family for helping me to
reach this level. I also want to thank
artist Awel Said for supporting me in my career. Mainly I want to thank
the
public, young and old, for supporting me for my modest contribution and
encouraging me. I hope to work hard and please the public with more
deserving
work in the future.
Which artist do you admire?
I admire all the artists in our nation.
But especially I admire the veteran
artists, Miakel Jende, Tekhlit Kugne, Atsbehet Abraha, Gizyenesh Menges.
And
from the younger artists, I admire: Alolo, Tekhlit Solmon, Hagos
Suzinino, Weyni
China, Beynesh Kiros, Makda Abraha. As for singers I admire, Dawit
Shelan,
Tesfay Mengesha, Temesgen Taniko, Helen Meles.
Whom do you want to emulate?
I admire Helen Meles and I want to be
like her.
How is your health?
I am fine. No problem.
Any final words?
In our country the profession of acting
is still in the rise. Similarly with
music. I support the “Shingrwa” program (the search for new singers and
dancers.) There are many talented young persons in the country, in the
military
and elsewhere, who can write, sing, act, etc. So I suggest someone,
either the
NUEYS, or other concerned authorities should explore and find these
talented
people in the military, the rural areas, etc. They would find many
outstanding
artists yet undiscovered.
In the acting field, I suggest that the actors, like other professionals
or
artists, be organized in a union or association and be paid regular
salaries and
given the chance and develop and grow. |
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