Siv Ngesi on playing a character true to him in ‘The Woman King’

VENECIA VALENTINE

In all his glee and cheer ahead of the premiere, Ngesi couldn’t help but get emotional as he came to grips with the fact his mother won’t be present for his big moment

HE was also among the cast who graced the red carpet at the film’s world premiere at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival on September 8.

IOL Entertainment got to talk to the star ahead of the South African premiere on September 30.

Ngesi plays The Migan, the leader of the male army.

Ngesi, who recently lost his mother Zanele Jaqueline Ngesi, said the film depicts the life of his mom, in a way.

“This film came out around about the same time I lost my mother in August. The incredible link of it is that my mother has always been the strongest woman I have ever known, an incredible beast.

“I honour my mother in this film, the quintessential woman king and the queen of my life. I’m honoured to call myself the son of Zanele Jaqueline Ngesi. Every time I watch the film, it’s going to remind me of my mother.

“I have done other international films but nothing was as big as this one. It’s the first time I actually did a film and (did) not care how well I did but more about watching the ladies and being in awe of Viola Davis and watching what she is doing.

“It’s a dream come true to be a part of one of its firsts in the world, having four dark-skinned women as leads – two of African descent, one from the Caribbean and one of American descent.

“I have the honour of playing The Migan. He is the leader of the man army and Viola Davis is the leader of the woman army and we work together, we fight. It’s an incredible part and The Migan is an ally, like I play in my life, an ally to the women.

“But he knows his place, like allies need to know their place. An ally can’t be louder than the people he’s allying for but he needs to be able to support and back the people he is allying for.”

Ngesi said he knew first-hand about being an ally since growing up surrounded by females in his home.

“I spent so many years trying to be an ally toward women and people in the community. In this particular film, I am an ally so I feel this role was made for me,” he said.

“It resonates with me because I was raised in a household of just women and you need to know your place in a household of just women so you grow up knowing that men are not superior to women.”

In all his glee and cheer ahead of the premiere, Ngesi couldn’t help but get emotional as he came to grips with the fact his mother won’t be present for his big moment.

“My mom was excited for the upcoming premiere, she was preparing to wear African gear, like ‘Black Panther’ themed.

“It’s the biggest film I’ve done so this was huge for her and now not having her around is quite difficult to imagine.

“It’s hard to explain being in a world which she is not in.

“It’s been difficult to celebrate this film without her. I’m man enough to say I am broken, to say I’m walking around like the walking dead, directionless. I’m angry.

“I wouldn’t be what I am without her. I feel like a sailboat in the middle of the ocean without the winds to push it. Day by day I will learn to cope with the pain.

“My ‘Woman King’ is not here.”

Siv Ngesi as The Migan in ‘The Woman King’.

Siv Ngesi and John Boyega, who plays King Ghezo.

Siv and mom Zanele Jaqueline Ngesi

Siv Ngesi and Viola Davis.

Siv Ngesi is one of two South Africans to land a role in the international film, “The Woman King”.