By Tonisha Johnson

In June 1980, Patrick Chamusso, an ordinary hard-working South African man, who abided by the rules of Apartheid, life would forever change. Catch a Fire tells the story of the ANC (African National Congress) member who willingly risked his life to end Apartheid.

Bonnie Henna, who’s had favorable roles, really comes to life in this political thriller portraying Chamusso’ wife Precious. It is hard enough that women bare the burdens of the world but even harder when they succumb to personal endeavors that spill over into the lives of the political affluent.

But her decisions and actions cause a reaction that can be considered as her part in ending Apartheid as well as the theory of divide and conquer black women and black men.

You’re so young; I can’t imagine you remembering anything about Apartheid. How did you prepare the focus on this character? What steps did you have to take?

Bonnie Henna: I’m 27. First of all, I was so willing because for a long time… because I was so young when it really happened… I don’t have any experiences for Apartheid but a lot of South Africans have gone through it. And so I was like Yeah, I finally get to do my part for it. And tell the stories of the heroes. It was a big step in so many ways. First, I was like… how would a woman in that time behave? How was she like? What would her nuances be? It was a big step in coming to an understanding what the women thought and how it affected them and their behavior.

Where did you grow up in South Africa?

Bonnie Henna: In Soweto.

What was your education like growing up in Post-Apartheid?

Bonnie Henna: My experiences are unique in that I went to one of the first two private schools that opened their doors to black kids. That was a very fish out of water experience.

What is your opinion of the South African’ that come here but don’t take advantage of the opportunity?

Bonnie Henna: You know, I think, if that happened it would come from a place of not understanding how it could benefit themselves. I think South African kids view education as a privilege and they value it very much. If anything it could be a lot of things. It could be also overwhelming. Sometimes you come from a place where all you see and know about America is stuff you’ve heard on the radio and TV. And it’s not a complete representation either of that country.

Did you meet the real ‘Precious’?

Bonnie Henna: No.

Well how did you go about finding out about her?

Bonnie Henna: They organized me. And the documentaries shot by the BBC about the women in South Africa. And a lot about the living conditions. I got to meet some of the women that lived in the area where Precious lived and had some of the same spirits similar to Precious.

How was it working with Derek Luke and were you able to educate him about your experiences growing up?

Bonnie Henna: When I first met Derek. The first thing that struck me about him was his humility. And you know, somebody that humble… I would be embarrassed to try to teach him anything. Because I was like this guy is in such a position to learn and hear and receive… that I trust that he would learn and receive everything that he needed to.  I didn’t want to be just another one of those people that were telling him and teaching him what he needed to know. I just wanted to be a pal and just chill and he could be all American if he wants to without feeling like he had to go into this whole South African vibe.

How have South Africans reacted to the film as opposed to here?

Bonnie Henna: Well, South Africans haven’t seen the film yet. But for me, he (Derek Luke) worked hard at it all the time while we were on set. For me what South Africans will see? They will see heart. And that for me overrides anything.

What do you think of the South African people at that time; the women especially?

Bonnie Henna: Some of them were stuck with no resources; no development. What is happening now is that everyone is trying to find a way to tell their story and people are getting creative about the avenues they are willing to take. It’s an exciting time to be an actress in South Africa right now.

What do you want women to get out of this film?

Bonnie Henna: To recognize in the South how strong they are. Without the loving arms of a woman the children of South Africa would have been out of there.